A comparative analysis of 4% articaine and 2% lignocaine in evaluating the efficacy during pulpectomy procedures in pediatric patients: An observation split mouth technique

Abstract

A troublesome dental experience usually has a negative influence on the child's behavior towards any successive dental treatment. An alternative, less traumatic method of achieving pain control is an important contribution to reduce anxiety and emotional outbursts in children. Thus, management of child during any meddling procedure becomes a challenging task. Local anesthetics play a major role in techniques used for controlling pain. Aim: The main aim and objective of the study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of 4% articaine and 2% lignocaine in reducing pain while performing dental procedures in pediatric patients. Material and Methodology: A spilt mouth technique was conducted on 25 subjects aged 3-6 years, who visited the Family Dental Clinic, Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir for the treatment of their teeth. Subjects with deep carious lesions, grossly decayed or pain on mandibular molars (i.e where ever there was need of local anesthesia) were selected for the study. Topical application of local anesthestic spray followed by 4% articaine infiltration on one side and 2% lignocaine on other. Post treatment pain was assessed using visual analog scale. Statistical analysis:The data collected underwent statistical analysis. Mean, frequencies, standard deviation and standard error was used to describe the descriptive analysis. Continuous variables were compared using student-t test with statistical significant p value of less than 0.05. The graphical representation of the data was done using bar diagrams. Results: Statistically significant results were obtained while comparing pain, duration and onset of action of 4% articaine and 2% lignocaine. Conclusion: Within the limitation it was concluded that 4% Articaine when used was found to be more effective and safe local anesthetic drug to be used in any aspects of dentistry and for all age groups, when compared to the properties of other local common anesthetic agents.