Topical anesthesia for rubber dam clamp placement in sealant placement: comparison of lidocaine/prilocaine gel and benzocaine.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the efficacy of Oraqix to benzocaine while placing a rubber dam clamp during sealant placement on children. Methods: A sample size of 45 7to 72-year-old patients who presented for bilateral sealants on permanent first molars participated in this study. A split-mouth design was implemented with Oraqix applied to one side and 20 percent benzocaine gel applied to the other. After placing the topical anesthetic and the rubber dam clamp, patients completed a Faces Pain Scale (FPS) to rate the level of discomfort after clamp placement. Results: Twenty-seven subjects (60%) were female and 78 subjects (40%) were male; 75 (33%) were younger than 9 years old and 30 (67%)were at least 9 years old. The overall difference in mean FPS ratings was not statistically significant (P=.27). Regarding gender, there was no statistically significant difference in males (P=.65) or females (P=.26). There was also no difference in mean FPS ratings when looking at age groups younger than 9 years old with P=.77. In the 9 years and older age groups, however, there was a statistically significant difference, with P=.04. Conclusions: Application of Oraqix did not reduce discomfort when compared to benzocaine in this small sample size. Oraqix was more effective than benzocaine in the age group 9 and older. A larger sample size is needed to determine its efficacy in children younger than 9 years old. (Pediatr Dent 2009;37:377-87) Receivedjune 4, 2008 I Last Revision August 27, 2008 I Revision Accepted August 28,2008