Efficacy of Topical Lignocaine Spray and Gel in the Management of Pain While Delivering Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
Abstract
Objective: This study investigates pain relief using topical anesthesia spray vs gel while delivering the classical inferior alveolar nerve block technique during mandibular extraction.
Method: An observational study was conducted in May 2024 involving 122 patients undergoing dental procedures requiring IANB. Before giving the IANB, a topical spray or gel was used on the needle insertion site and the pain score of the patient was noted using the VAS scale. Secondary outcomes included variations in onset times related to patient demographics, anatomical factors, and the experience level of the clinician.
Result: In our study in Group 1 mean pain score was 2.92 ± 0.75 and in Group 2 mean pain score was 1.63 ± 0.66. The mean pain score was less in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 and the mean pain score difference was 1.29. There was a significant difference in the mean pain score between Group 1 and Group 2.
Conclusion: Patients reported less pain during the injection prick when lignocaine spray was applied as opposed to lidocaine gel. By avoiding uncomfortable inferior alveolar nerve blocks and lowering patient anxiety, this study implies that lignocaine spray may be useful in delivering anesthetic as a preventative measure for anxiety and pain.
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