local anesthesia

Question 1

What gauge and length are commonly used needles?

Answer 1

25 (red), 27 (yellow), 30 (blue); short or long depending on injection.

Question 2

What are examples of short- to medium-acting anesthetic drugs?

Answer 2

Mepivacaine 2–3%, Prilocaine 4%.

Question 3

What are examples of long-acting anesthetic drugs?

Answer 3

Bupivacaine 0.5%, Etidocaine.

Question 4

Why are vasoconstrictors used with anesthetics?

Answer 4

Reduce toxic reactions by slowing absorption

Prolong anesthetic action

Increase depth of anesthesia

Decrease bleeding in the area

Question 5

What are potential risks of vasoconstrictor use?

Answer 5

Increased BP/HR

Cardiac stimulation

Possible allergic reactions (to sulfite preservatives)

Avoid in hyperthyroidism or sulfite-sensitive patients

Question 6

When should vasoconstrictors be avoided?

Answer 6

Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism

Uncontrolled severe hypertension

Sulfite allergy

Cardiac arrhythmias

Recent MI or stroke

Tricyclic antidepressants or non-selective beta blockers

Cocaine use (within 24 hours)

Question 7

What are the common concentrations of epinephrine in dentistry?

Answer 7

1:100,000 = 0.01 mg/cart

1:50,000 = 0.02 mg/cart

1:200,000 = 0.005 mg/cart