Single Articaine Injection May Reduce Pain in Pediatric Patients

Researchers with Sharad Pawar Dental College in Maharashtra, India, have published a study that compares the effects of multiple lidocaine injections with a single articaine injection for the extraction of primary molars in pediatric patients. Investigators found that of 100 children, ages 7 to 12, the group who received multiple lidocaine injections (50 patients) prior to molar extraction had a higher Facial Pain Scale (FPS ) mean score. The score indicates an increased pain level compared with the articaine group, in which 50 patients received a single articaine injection prior to molar extraction.

The team reports that in all cases, the single injection of articaine created less pain and anxiety in children before and after molar extraction. Full text of the study, “ Anesthetic Efficacy of Buccal Infiltration Articaine versus Lidocaine for Extraction of Primary Molar Teeth,” can be read in the current issue of Anesthesia Progress.