Which local anesthetic is a common choice for dental procedures due to its efficacy and safety profile?

Lidocaine is a widely preferred local anesthetic for dental procedures primarily due to its rapid onset and relatively short duration of action, which is ideal for dental work that usually requires a precise and transient numbness. Its safety profile is considered excellent; it has a low rate of adverse effects and is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to some ester-type anesthetics like procaine and tetracaine. Additionally, lidocaine is less toxic than bupivacaine, making it a safer option for patients undergoing routine dental procedures. This combination of effectiveness, safety, and patient tolerance makes lidocaine the anesthetic of choice in dental practice.