Liposomal anesthetic gel for pain control during periodontal therapy in adults: a placebo-controlled RCT

Abstract

Periodontal therapy usually requires local anesthesia. If effective, a non-invasive, liposomal anesthetic gel could increase the levels of acceptance of patients in relation to periodontal therapy.Objective:This study investigated the efficacy of liposomal anesthetic gel for pain control during periodontal therapy.Methodology:Forty volunteers with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were recruited, of which at least three sextants required periodontal therapy. At least one of the selected teeth had one site with a probing depth of ≥4 mm. The volunteers received the following three gels: a placebo, lidocaine/prilocaine (Oraqix®), or a liposomal lidocaine/prilocaine, which were applied to different sextants. Pain frequency was registered during treatment and the volunteers received a digital counter to register any painful or uncomfortable experiences. At the end of each session, the volunteers indicated their pain intensity using rating scales (NRS-101 and VRS-4). The volunteers had their hemodynamic parameters measured by a non-invasive digital monitor.Results:Pain frequency/intensity did not show statistical difference between intervention groups. The tested gels did not interfere with the hemodynamic indices. Dental anxiety, suppuration and probing depth could influence pain during periodontal therapy.Conclusion:Our results suggest limited indications for the use of non-invasive anesthesia when used for scaling and root planing. Intra-pocket anesthetic gel could be a good option for anxious patients, or those who have a fear of needles.

Pain management in periodontal therapy using local anesthetics and other drugs: an integrative review

“…The most prevalent study design was the parallel design, which was used in 15 studies [ 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ], followed by the split-mouth design, which was used in 10 [ 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 ], and the crossover design, which was used in 7 studies [ 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 ].…”

Nanoparticles in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

“…Liposomes were used by Moraes et al to promote pain control during scaling and root planning treatment. The liposomes loaded with lidocaine/prilocaine could be a good option to increase patient compliance during this type of clinical treatment, especially anxious patients or those who have a fear of needles [ 45 ].…”

Current status and future of delivery systems for prevention and treatment of infections in the oral cavity

“…Periodontal therapy usually requires also local anesthesia. A liposomal lidocaine/prilocaine, thermosetting anesthetic gel formulation delivered into periodontal pocket was investigated for pain control during scaling and root planing (anti-infective periodontal therapy) in 40 volunteers with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis [70]. It was reported that the intra-pocket anesthetic gel would be a good option for anxious patients, or those who have a fear of needles.…”