Sedation and Anesthesia
Epinephrine in dental anesthetic
Epinephrine is a drug added to many dental numbing solutions. It narrows blood vessels near the injection site, a step used together with the anesthetic.
Many dental anesthetics contain a small amount of epinephrine, also called adrenaline. It is a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows blood vessels. The most common forms are 1:50,000, 1:100,000, and 1:200,000.
Narrowed vessels carry less blood to the area. A vasoconstrictor is often used with a local anesthetic such as articaine. It is part of how a nerve block is made to numb the area.
Tell your dentist about your health history and any medicines you take. Your dentist can then choose the right solution for you.