Beta blockers and dentists

Hello all, hope you've had a great start into 2009!! My yearly dentist check is coming up soon. I don't know about you guys, but here in Australia, you basically are flat on your back in the dentist chair, so they can work on your teeth. Well, dentists aren't my favourite people in the world, I mean, who loves going there! So, a bit nervous when going... and since I had twice rapid heartbeat while lying down at the dentists (always after a pvc of course!), I now get even more nervous. Not because of their torture machines, but because of my heart of course!

Stupid, I know, but here is my question: I haven't taken a beta blocker yet, when going to the dentist, because I think it might interfer with any possible injections (should a tooth need fixing)? I'm not sure and will have to check with the dentist one of these days, but was wondering if any of you out there would know? I know it's most likely just anxiety now, but when your heart races away and you are trapped on the dentist chair, not funny, really :)

[banglamom]

A beta blocker will not interfere with your potential dental interventions.  I take lots of beta blockers and certainly can't STOP taking them to go to the dentist.  You don't want to take them of course unless recommended by your md.  Maybe an antianxiety medication really would be more in order.  Some dentists will prescribe it for you I think to take for the appt.  I hate going to the dentist too.  I probably leave dents in the side of the chair from holding on so tight.  I don't drink at all, but I would consider a glass of wine if that would help?  Hope it goes more smoothly than anticipated.

[Jerry_NJ]

I completely agree with banglamom.

You anxiety when at the dentist is likely causing most of the heart reactions.  

While I don't think I have a "lot" of anxiety when at the dentist, I too "hold on" to the seat.

Many people have problems with anxiety/fear when at the dentist.  Good idea to discuss to see if the dentist can prescribe some helpful medication to relax your mind.

[bundleblocker]

I had to have a cavity filled shortly after beginning beta blockers. My cardiologist said to tell the dentist to give me novacaine (or whatever the pain blocker is called) without ephenephrine.(sp)

So that's what he did. I felt nothing and was happy not to get the usual adrenaline rush that I usually get (from the ephenephrine)

[banglamom]

The dentist should ask and should know all the medications you are on.  Righton with the no epi for any of us with heart problems.  I was at dentists long before I had heart problems.  At one point I probably had heart problems that I was yet unaware of... and a burst of epi... not an easy trip to the dentist.  Better to be ON the heart medicine.

[nervouslady]

I know exactly what you mean - in every situation, I'm never (or rarely) nervous about whatever is going on, I'm nervous about my heart freaking out and not making a fool of myself while out in public because of it.  I, too, am not afraid of dentists/dental work but am afraid of going into situations where I'm 'stuck' there (you can't really get up and leave in the middle of a dental procedure or while you are getting your hair colored at the salon) and my heart decides to misbehave.  It's hard for me to sit there and not get nervous about it.  

I take xanax, which usually helps.  I take one, see how I feel, if I'm still nervous I take another, see how I feel, and if STILL nervous, I take a half and that's the max I've ever had to take to feel okay.  It really helps, I feel physcially relaxed and can usually tolerate these situations without much anxiety.

I know that, because a lot of people hate the dentist, a lot of dentists offer sedation dentistry too.  I don't know much about it,but it might be something worth looking into if going really sends you into a panic.  

[Skippi]

thank you all for your helpful comments, very much appreciated! I think I have to be honest and finally tell my dentist about my condition and discuss it with him (not easy for me). I have asked last time if I can sit up a bit more (which helps!), it's this lying flat that's freaking me out I think.

By the way: I'm still on Magnesium and new: Fish Oil (which only kicked in after some weeks taking it), and very pleased to report that I do feel an overall change with my pvc's!!! I still have them, but much less than before. Still have to watch what I eat/drink though, which is ok. So do persevere when taking Fish Oil, I only take 2 pills/day, they recommend 4, but so far I'm amazed with the results.