Restorative
James M. Skvor, DDS
Pediatric Dental Resident
University of Florida —Gainesville and Naples, Naples, FL
University of Florida-Pediatric Dentistry
Naples, Florida, United States
Marcio Guelmann, DDS
Program Chair
University of Florida - Gainesville
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Maria Davila de Gonzalez, DDS, MPH, DrPH
University of Florida
Kyle Miller, DMD
University of Florida
Kelly Magher, DDS
Residency Program Director
University of Florida, Naples
Naples, Florida, United States
Abimbola O. Adewumi, BDS, FDSRCS
Program Director
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Purpose: When the Hall Technique is performed, patient discomfort during crown cementation was reported. The aim of this study was to assess if gingival sulcular application of topical benzocaine prior to cementation reduced localized pain and pressure during crown seating.
Methods: Healthy and cooperative 5 to 8 year-old patients with deep (half-to-2/3 in dentin), single or multi-surface caries lesions affecting 1 right (Tooth 1) and 1 left (Tooth 2) mandibular primary molar were recruited to participate in the study. Selected teeth were asymptomatic and with no radiographic signs of pulp degeneration. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups based on the protocol used. Group 1 (protocol A) received topical benzocaine gel (experimental) on Tooth 1 and placebo gel on Tooth 2 (control). Group B (protocol B) was treated with the reverse order. Masked syringes containing 0.1 ml of topical benzocaine and 0.1 ml of placebo gels were prepared by an independent evaluator who also recorded patient’s heart rate which was invisible and inaudible to patient and provider. Both crowns were cemented at the same appointment after a 5 minutes interval of each other. Elastic separators were placed pre-operatively if tight contact existed between teeth. After each crown seating, patient’s behavior was assessed by the operator using the modified Frankl Scale and patient self-assessment of discomfort was recorded using Wong Baker Faces Scale.
Results: Data collection is ongoing.
Conclusion: If sulcular application of topical benzocaine indeed reduces patient discomfort during crown cementation, this technique modification may increase patient and provider’s satisfaction.