A comparison of 2 topical anesthetics on the discomfort of intraligamentary injections: a double-blind, split-mouth volunteer clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this volunteer clinical trial was to compare the effects of 5% lidocaine ointment and EMLA cream on the discomfort associated with intraligamentary injections.


METHODS
A double-blind, split mouth study was conducted. Each of 10 healthy volunteers had 5% lidocaine and EMLA cream applied to the maxillary premolar buccal gingiva for 5 minutes before the administration of an intraligamentary injection. Discomfort during the injection was assessed through use of a visual analog scale. Data were analyzed by means of Student paired and unpaired t tests.


RESULTS
Injection discomfort on the side on which EMLA cream was applied was significantly less than on the lidocaine side (t = 2.32, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
EMLA cream reduced the discomfort associated with intraligamentary injections.
Meechan
J G
JG
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Thomason
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010513:Periodontal Ligament; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine