Choosing a local anesthetic

Although lidocaine alone will serve as an excellent anesthetic for most patients, using less painful injectable agents, topical anesthetics, and occasionally oral sedation will offer the frightened or pain-intolerant patient an acceptable and effective alternative system of local anesthesia. The pain-tolerant patient will also appreciate the reduced discomfort experienced when these products and techniques are employed. Uses and practical considerations of the agents in this system are summarized in Table 2.