Effect of Buffered Numbing Solution on Patients With Toothaches

Effect of Buffered Lidocaine on the Success of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of buffered lidocaine (a numbing solution) on the ability to numb patients with toothaches. Buffered anesthetic (numbing) solutions have shown promise in some medical and dental research. Patients presenting with toothaches will be given either a buffered numbing solution or a nonbuffered numbing solution. Neither the patient nor the operator will know which solution they will receive. Root canal treatment will be performed on the tooth and the ability of the buffered versus non-buffered numbing solutions will be compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (toothache) in a mandibular posterior tooth (back/bottom tooth) with moderate to severe pain
• ages 18 -65 years of age
• in good health (ASA I or II)
• able to grant informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to lidocaine (numbing solution
• significant medical problem (ASA III or IV)
• have taken CNS depressants or analgesic medications within the last 24 hours
• pregnancy or lactating
• non-English speaking
• inability to give informed consent