Pharmacological Advances in Local Anesthesia for Dental and Oral Surgical Procedures: Clinical Efficacy and Safety Considerations

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34 (3s), 69–80

Local anesthesia, dental anesthesia, articaine, pharmacological advances, clinical efficacy, safety, oral surgery

Sneha S Kulkarni1*
Assistant Professor K Department of Chemistry,
Kls Vishwanathrao Deshpande
Institute Of Technology, Haliyal
Email ID: snehakulkarni721@gmail.com, ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/00000003-0753-1237

Gokul Krishnan S2
Senior Resident, Department of Anaesthesiology,
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal,
Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Email ID: iamgokul.dr@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0009-0008-8695-2673

Rajaram Prabhu H3
Senior Resident, Department of Anaesthesiology,
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Email ID: rajaramprabhu007@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7109-2438

Dr Rakesh Kumar Medhi4
Lecturer, Department of
Periodontics and Oral Implantology,
Regional Dental College, Guwahati, Assam 781032,
Email IDrakeshmedhi808@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5940-0557

Dr. Shashvat Priyam Khare5
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Education, TMIMTCollege of
Physical Education, TeerthankerMahaveer University,
Moradabad, UttarPradesh, India.
Email ID: Shashvat.physicaleducation@tmu.ac.in
ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6771-3860

Pratik Agrawal 6,
Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics,
Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences,
KIIT Deemed to be University, Odisha
Email ID: dr.pratikagrawal07@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5261-2998

Dr Avantika Tuli
Professor, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry,
Santosh dental college and hospital (deemed to be University),Delhi.
Specialization: Pediatric Dentistry
Email ID: avantikatuli@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4950-2004

Received: 11.04.2026
Revised: 15.05.2026
Accepted: 24.05.2026

Pharmacological Advances in Local Anesthesia for Dental and Oral Surgical Procedures: Clinical Efficacy and Safety Considerations

Background: Local anesthesia is essential in dental and oral surgical procedures, ensuring pain control and facilitating clinical efficiency; however, limitations in efficacy and safety necessitate continuous advancements. Objective: To evaluate recent pharmacological advances in local anesthesia with emphasis on clinical efficacy and safety considerations in dental practice. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and pharmacological studies focusing on conventional anesthetics, novel agents, adjunctive techniques, and safety profiles. Results: Traditional methods like lidocaine and articaine are still in use because of the predictable effect, whereas the newer methods like buffered anesthetics, adjunctive methods like tramadol and new delivery systems like computer controlled and needle-free have better onset, duration and ease of use on the patient. The clinical effect differs based on the state of the tissues, the complexity of the procedures and personal factors, especially in inflamed tissues. The safety issues comprise of local and systemic toxicity, effects of the vasoconstrictor, and are very important in special populations, which necessitate a careful dose management and monitoring. Conclusion: Pharmacological and technological advancements have enhanced the effectiveness and safety of local anesthesia in dentistry; however, individualized approaches and adherence to clinical guidelines remain essential to optimize outcomes and minimize risks.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publication Services LLC

EJPRD

Copyright ©2025 by Riset Publication Services LLC