Evaluation of three topical anaesthetic agents against pain: a clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare pain responses of children during local anaesthetic infiltration at bilateral buccal sites prepared with topical application of EMLA 5% cream, benzocaine 18% gel or lignocaine 5% ointment and also to find out the rapidity of onset of action of these agents.


METHODS
60 healthy children aged 6 to 12 years old, received bilateral buccal infiltration following application of topical anaesthetic agents applied in a double blind design. Pain responses were compared based on subject self report using visual analogue scale (VAS) and operator assessment using Sound -Eye -Motor (SEM) scale.


RESULTS
Benzocaine gel had the rapidest onset of action. EMLA 5% cream proved to be superior in pain reduction compared to benzocaine and lignocaine. Taste acceptance was better with benzocaine gel. Further studies are required for EMLA cream with an improved formulation more suitable for mucosal application before its routine use in dentistry.
Nayak
R
R
Dept. of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore. r.rashmi@lycosmail.com
Sudha
P
P
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005782:Gels; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009824:Ointments; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D005782:Gels; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009824:Ointments; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine; D001566:Benzocaine