Long-acting local anesthetics: a review of clinical efficacy in dentistry

Two long-acting local anesthetics, bupivacaine and etidocaine, have been added to the dental armamentarium. The efficacies, onset times, durations, and hemostatic characteristics of these agents have been well described for a variety of clinical applications. Assessments of their usefulness in managing postoperative pain following oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics have also been published. This article reviews the clinical utility of these agents and provides recommendations for their safe use in dentistry.