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Local anesthetics in dentistry: then and now
1Department of Diagnosis and Management, University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA 94115-2333, USA.
Journal of the California Dental Association
|July 4, 2003
Summary
Local anesthetics have improved dental patient comfort for over a century. This review covers their history, current options, new delivery techniques, and managing anesthesia challenges.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Local anesthetics have been integral to dental practice for over 100 years.
- Their development, particularly nerve blockade techniques, significantly enhanced patient comfort.
- This enabled more extensive and invasive dental procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of local anesthetics in dentistry.
- To summarize currently available local anesthetics in the United States.
- To review novel techniques for local anesthetic delivery and address common challenges.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and current local anesthetic use.
- Summary of available anesthetic agents and delivery systems.
- Discussion of strategies for managing difficult anesthesia cases.
Main Results:
- Local anesthetics have a long history of safe and effective use in dentistry.
- A variety of local anesthetic agents and delivery techniques are currently available.
- Guidelines exist for overcoming challenges in achieving adequate dental anesthesia.
Conclusions:
- Local anesthetics are essential for modern dental care, offering patient comfort and procedural options.
- Understanding the history, current agents, and techniques is crucial for effective practice.
- Addressing difficulties in anesthesia ensures successful and comfortable patient treatment.