A New and Enhanced Version of Local Anesthetics in Dentistry

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. Due to the fear of pain associated with dental injections, some people avoid, cancel, or fail to appear for dental appointments. Pain and anxiety control are among the most important aspects in local anesthetic administration in dental practice. Administration of local anesthetic produces pain and anxiety that may cause subsequent unfavorable behavior (1). As reliable management of pain is an important factor in reducing fear and anxiety in dental treatment, clinicians must have a thorough knowledge of local anesthetic solutions and techniques. When an agent and a technique are chosen, it is important for the clinician to understand the onset, depth, and duration of anesthesia in relation to the operative procedure to be performed (2). This chapter introduces new local anesthetic formulations, techniques, and postinjection complications in dentistry.