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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical application of EMLA and Oraqix before palatal anesthetic infiltration is associated with less pain than with benzocaine gel.
Al-Melh
Manal Abu
MA
Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait. dentist@qualitynet.net
Andersson
Lars
L
D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D009824:Ointments; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D021362:Palate, Hard; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D005782:Gels; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009824:Ointments; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine; D001566:Benzocaine