A clinical study of bupivacaine for mandibular anesthesia in oral surgery

Previous studies have shown the usefulness of bupivacaine in oral surgery. A clinical trial was conducted comparing bupivacaine to lidocaine in 20 patients undergoing the surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molar teeth at separate appointments. A combination analog and category pain scale was used to assess pain on four occasions over the first 24 hours following the operation. Results showed a marked reduction in postoperative pain experienced over this time and almost unanimous patient preference for bupivacaine.