A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THREE ANESTHETIC GELS IN REDUCING PAIN DURING ADMINISTRATION OF LOCAL ANESTHESIA. – A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL TRIAL

AIM: To assess and compare the efficacy of different topical anesthetic agents on needle insertion pain during administration of IANB. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study included 90 children of age 4 to 8 years which were divided into three groups: Group-A (20% benzocaine), Group-B (5% lidocaine) and Group-C (2% lignocaine). Topical anesthetic gel was applied prior to administration of IANB. After that 1.2ml of local anesthetic agent was administered. The response of child was constantly observed during administration of LA. Each participant was advised to choose emoticon that quantify the pain perception using modified Wong Beker pain rating scale. The ratings were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Results showed highly significant difference between the topical anesthetic effectiveness of all the groups. The topical anesthetic effectiveness on needle insertion pain of 20% Benzocaine is highest followed by 5% Lidocaine and 2% Lignocaine.