The efficacy of Emla and 5% lignocaine gel for anaesthesia of human gingival mucosa.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the analgesic effect of a mixture of 2.5% lignocaine and 2.5% prilocaine (Emla) with that of lignocaine gel alone for minor operations on the gingiva.


METHODS
Randomized double-blind trial.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, UK.


METHODS
10 healthy dental students (7 men and 3 women, 20-21 years old).


METHODS
Construction of a reservoir within a splint on each side of the mouth and insertion of splints. The volunteers acted as their own controls, and the sides used for each anaesthetic were chosen at random.


METHODS
Measurement of pressure-pain threshold by a standard technique.


RESULTS
The median (range) duration of anaesthesia after Emla (22.5, 12-30) was significantly longer than after lignocaine alone (12.5, 0-25) (P=0.01), and the area under the curve for the pressure-pain threshold for Emla (2053, 199-4564) was significantly greater than for lignocaine alone (986, 169-2942) (P=0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Emla is a more effective topical anaesthetic agent than lignocaine alone. Although its duration of action is relatively short it is adequate for minor operations on the gingiva.
McMillan
A S
AS
Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Walshaw
D
D
Meechan
J G
JG
D000328:Adult; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental; D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D019540:Area Under Curve; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold; D011318:Prilocaine; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine