I have MS. I would prefer not to use Septocaine?

I am the one with the previous Septocaine question. I am multichemical sensitive including but not limited to MSG, Aspartame, Sulfites, Sulfer Dioxide, Splenda makes my tongue and gums numb In my research Septocaine is both an Amide and Ester. I do not want an ester, nor do I want Articaine after reading about complaints on parasthesia . It is the newest local anesthetic, sure the dentists love it, but you docs our there, if you read further on Septo, it IS the hardest to excrete. That may be ok for a healthy person, but for MS patients, I noted in my reading that Xylocaine, or Mepivacaine. may be better, though dentists hate not using Epi - I can not tolerate the metabisulfite buildup any longer. In addition, with Septo I inevitably need a second administration before the procedure is done anyway. Also, blocks don't work with me. What is the safest local "caine" for me to use without sulfiltes?? .. and yes that would mean no epi, but I am more concerned about me, not the dentists ease

I have MS. I would prefer not to use Septocaine?
Ask your dentist to give you Polarcaine 4%, It contains no epineferin.


-dental assistant
Reply:Esters are no longer used in dentistry other than topical anesthetics. Septocaine and Articaine are the same thing. Most dentists only use these when a person is very difficult to numb. Most dentists use Xylocaine or Lidocaine (same thing) it is well tolerated and usually has Epi to helpit last longer and control bleeding during the procedure. However, many people with health problems cannot have Epi in which case Mepi. is used without Epi and many dentists use Mepi.


if possible b/c the injection is more comfortable b/c there is no Epi. Discuss your concerns with your doctor. As many sensitivities as you have he/she will probably be glad to just use Mepi. The only other concern may be the topical anesthetic often used can be an esther.


PS I have not seen any problems in using Septocaine/ Articaine however it has been discussed there could be problems as you discussed with lower injections and for this reason I and many other dentists and hygienists do not use this for lower injections, just in case.


A sulfite allergy could be a problem with a lot of local anesthetics you may need to just be sedated for treatment.
Reply:4% articaine=septocaine. septocaine is contraindicated with all sulfite allergies. all injections are blocks, even infiltration and PDLs. lidocaine is available plain (w/o epi)and mepivicaine is always plain. epi is only included to prolong anesthesia, plain anesthetic lasts ~15mins., septo lasts about 45 mins. if you're having trouble with duration i would stick with what your dentist recommends.