Local injectable anesthetics

What are Local injectable anesthetics?

Local injectable anesthetics numb the surrounding area (where it is injected) by blocking pain signals from being sent to the brain. Local anesthetics are used during dental procedures, during labor and for other minor operative procedures.

Two kinds of local anesthetic drugs are used nowadays. The commonly used drugs are amides like lignocaine, prilocaine, and bupivacaine. The other group is esters like cocaine, procaine, and amethocaine.

Lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine are examples of amides and are the most commonly used local anesthetics in peripheral joint injections.

An injection of local anaesthetic prevents a person from feeling pain. It is given in one specific area rather than in the whole body. Although pain during dental treatment can be successfully managed, it is a common fear of patients.

The different types of anesthesia include:

Local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is given for a short time to stop pain in one part of the body.
Regional anesthesia. Regional anesthesia is used to numb only the part of the body that will have the surgery.
General anesthesia.

Local Anesthetic Agents

Local anesthetics are divided into two classes: amides and esters.
The gold standard and most widely used local anesthetic in dentistry is lidocaine due to its safety and effectiveness.