Comparison of topical anesthetics (EMLA/Oraqix vs. benzocaine) on pain experienced during palatal needle injection.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to compare the topical anesthetic effect of 20% benzocaine gel with 2.5% lidocaine/2.5% prilocaine (L/P) cream and gel on the pain experienced during palatal anesthetic infiltration.

STUDY DESIGN:

Two groups were studied, each containing 20 subjects. Two types of L/P mixtures were tested, an anesthetic cream (EMLA) and a thermosetting gel (Oraqix), and benzocaine was used as control. The topical agents were applied on the palatal mucosa at the canine region. A needle prick was given on each side every 2 minutes during a period of 10 minutes. The subjects recorded their findings using verbal and VAS scales.

RESULTS:

Pain scores were significantly less (P < .05) with EMLA and Oraqix than with benzocaine.

CONCLUSION:

Topical application of EMLA and Oraqix before palatal anesthetic infiltration is associated with less pain than with benzocaine gel.

• Authors: Manal Abu Al-Melh, Lars Andersson
• Journal: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod) Vol. 103 Issue 5 Pg. e16-20 (May 2007) ISSN: 1528-395X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17331753 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Local
• Gels
• Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination
• Ointments
• Prilocaine
• Lidocaine
• Benzocaine

Topics

• Adult
• Anesthesia, Dental (methods)
• Anesthesia, Local (methods)
• Anesthetics, Local (administration & dosage)
• Benzocaine (administration & dosage)
• Gels
• Humans
• Injections (adverse effects)
• Lidocaine (administration & dosage)
• Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination
• Mouth Mucosa
• Needles (adverse effects)
• Ointments
• Pain (etiology, prevention & control)
• Pain Measurement
• Palate, Hard
• Prilocaine (administration & dosage)
• Single-Blind Method