If I had an adverse reaction to lidocaine after a dental procedure, should I be concerned about receiving it for my upcoming radiofrequency ablation?

When at the dentist, I was given lidocaine to numb the area. It caused a brief, irregular heart beat for less than 30 seconds. I am concerned about receiving lidocaine in my upcoming radiofrequency ablation. My doctor's answer seemed too flippant. Do I have reason to be worried?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Aug 02, 2019

Most dentists use lidocaine with epinephrine. The reactions patients experience is a racing heartbeat or irregular heartbeat, which are due to the absorption of the epinephrine. Make sure lidocaine used in the RFA is plain.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Most dentists use lidocaine with epinephrine. The reactions patients experience is a racing heartbeat or irregular heartbeat, which are due to the absorption of the epinephrine. Make sure lidocaine used in the RFA is plain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jan 20, 2017

Usually the reaction is to epinephrine and you should discuss this with your doctor.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Usually the reaction is to epinephrine and you should discuss this with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Aug 08, 2013

Usually it's not the lidocaine but the epinephrine mixed with the lidocaine that causes the heart symptoms. Lidocaine is actually a drug used for irregular heart rhythms by the way.
With dental work, it is much more rapidly absorbed than when used for vein procedures.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Usually it's not the lidocaine but the epinephrine mixed with the lidocaine that causes the heart symptoms. Lidocaine is actually a drug used for irregular heart rhythms by the way.
With dental work, it is much more rapidly absorbed than when used for vein procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 08, 2013

I frequently hear this from patients and I have never had a problem with tumescent anesthesia in patients who have had issues following dental procedures. Most of the problems patients experience from dental anesthesia is from the epinephrine not the xylocaine. In tumescent anesthesia, the epi dose is very low and is injected in the subcutaneous tissue in a very dilute form, so you should not have any problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I frequently hear this from patients and I have never had a problem with tumescent anesthesia in patients who have had issues following dental procedures. Most of the problems patients experience from dental anesthesia is from the epinephrine not the xylocaine. In tumescent anesthesia, the epi dose is very low and is injected in the subcutaneous tissue in a very dilute form, so you should not have any problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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