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Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia01:30

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia

Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications01:23

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics01:13

Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics

The potency and duration of action of local anesthetics (LAs) are determined by their pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics describes how LAs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. When administered to the vascular tissues, LAs are quickly absorbed and enter the systemic circulation, reducing their localized effects. Adding vasoconstrictors such as epinephrine to LAs reduces their absorption into the systemic circulation, making them clinically effective. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds
04:58

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds

Published on: October 20, 2012

Local anaesthesia: risks and controversies.

John G Meechan1

  • 1School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BW, UK.

Dental Update
|July 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Local anaesthetics used in dentistry can cause localized and systemic complications. Understanding these risks and implementing preventative strategies is crucial for patient safety during dental procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Anesthesiology
  • Dental Medicine

Background:

  • Local anaesthetics are fundamental for pain management in numerous dental procedures.
  • Potential complications associated with intra-oral injections require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the spectrum of complications arising from intra-oral local anaesthetic injections.
  • To outline strategies for mitigating these adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on local anaesthetic complications in dentistry.
  • Categorization of complications into localized and systemic types.
  • Analysis of preventative and management techniques.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds
04:58

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds

Published on: October 20, 2012

  • Common localized complications include nerve injury, hematoma, and tissue damage.
  • Systemic complications may involve vasopressor reactions, syncope, and central nervous system effects.
  • Effective injection techniques and patient monitoring are key to prevention.

Conclusions:

  • Intra-oral local anaesthetic injections carry inherent risks that necessitate thorough understanding.
  • Awareness of potential complications and adherence to safety protocols are essential for safe dental practice.