A comparison of four commonly used local analgesics

In a double-blind, cross-over, clinical study with nine probands, the efficiency parameters of four commonly used local analgesics were evaluated: 2% Carbocain with adrenaline 1:200,000, 3% Citanest with Octapressin 0.03 iu/mul, 3% Carbocain Dental, and 2% Xylocain with adrenaline 1:80,000. It was found that 3% Carbocain Dental (no vasoconstrictor content) demonstrated significantly shorter duration of analgesia than the other solutions in the soft tissues as well as in the dental pulp. 3% Citanest with Octapressin exhibited the longest soft tissue duration, but as far as duration of tooth analgesia was concerned there was no significant difference between 3% Carbocain Dental and 2% Carbocain with adrenaline. The longest duration of tooth analgesia was shown with 2% Xylocain with adrenaline; this solution also possessed the highest frequency of analgesia and extent of analgesia. All probands personally preferred injections with 3% Carbocain Dental as injection with this solution resulted in the least discomfort.