COMPARATIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION OF EMLA, BENZOCAINE AND LIGNOCAINE GEL AS TOPICAL ANAESTHETIC AGENTS PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION OF LOCAL ANAESTHESIA FOR THERAPEUTIC EXTRACTIONS.

Medha Rajiv Ranjan; Melvin George A; Melvin George A

doi:10.69980/redvet.v25i1S.2413

Medha Rajiv Ranjan
Melvin George A
Melvin George A

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i1S.2413

Keywords: Health, Human, Pain Perception, Visual Analogue Scale

Abstract

Introduction: Topical anesthetics are routinely used in dentistry to minimize pain during needle insertion prior to local anesthetic administration. Their clinical efficacy varies depending on formulation, concentration, and tissue penetration. This study compared the anesthetic effectiveness of 5% lignocaine gel, 20% benzocaine gel, and 5% EMLA cream in patients undergoing orthodontic extractions.

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and informed consent. Forty-five patients aged 12–35 years requiring extraction of premolars for orthodontic treatment were randomly assigned into three groups (n=15 each) using a lottery method: Group A – 5% lignocaine gel (LIGNOSPAN-O), Group B – 20% benzocaine gel (MUCOPAIN), and Group C – 5% EMLA cream (EMLA, AstraZeneca). ASA I and II patients with malocclusion and severe crowding were included. Exclusion criteria comprised hypersensitivity to anesthetics, systemic illness, immunocompromised state, periodontitis, mutilated dentition, and mentally challenged individuals. The agents were applied to the palatal mucosa, mucobuccal fold, and pterygomandibular raphe. Pain perception was assessed at 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 5 minutes using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.3 with independent t-tests (p < 0.05).

Results: The mean ages of Groups A, B, and C were 25.2, 25.5, and 22.73 years, respectively. In the maxilla, EMLA showed significantly lower VAS scores at 1 and 5 minutes compared to benzocaine and lignocaine (p < 0.05). In the mandible, no statistically significant differences were observed. At 30 seconds, all groups showed comparable pain scores.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, 5% EMLA cream demonstrated superior surface anesthetic efficacy, particularly in the maxilla, followed by 20% benzocaine and 5% lignocaine gel. These findings are clinically relevant not only for improving procedural comfort but also for promoting overall human health and psychological well-being by reducing pain perception, anxiety, and patient distress during dental procedures. Larger studies assessing depth of penetration and additional clinical parameters are recommended.

Author Biographies

Medha Rajiv Ranjan

Undergraduate Student Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical

and Technical Sciences (SIMATS),Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600077

India.

Melvin George A

Associate Professor Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical

and Technical Sciences (SIMATS),Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600077 India.

Melvin George A

Associate Professor Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, aveetha Institute of Medical

and Technical Sciences (SIMATS),Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600077India.

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