Which local anesthetic is most commonly used for dental procedures?

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic for dental procedures due to its effective balance of rapid onset, adequate duration of action, and safety profile. It provides reliable anesthesia for the surgical and restorative procedures typically performed in dentistry.

Lidocaine works by blocking sodium channels, which prevents the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, resulting in a loss of sensation in the targeted area. Its swift action allows dentists to perform procedures with minimal discomfort to the patient. Additionally, lidocaine has a suitable duration for many dental interventions, often lasting 1 to 2 hours, which is typically sufficient for most procedures without the need for prolonged anesthesia.

In contrast, while bupivacaine has a longer duration of action and is used in some dental cases, it is less common than lidocaine for routine dental procedures because of its prolonged effects and higher potential for toxicity. Ropivacaine, similar to bupivacaine in terms of duration, is generally used in regional anesthesia but is not a standard choice for dentistry. Cocaine, though historically used in some dental practices, is less preferred today due to its potential for abuse and legal restrictions. Thus, lidocaine remains the drug of choice for dental anesthesia, providing an effective and safe