Comparison of efficacy of anesthetics for removal of palatal and buccal miniscrews

Abstract

ObjectiveEven though published literature exists, it is still unclear about the best pain control method while miniscrew removal is performed. The aim of this research was to investigate the efficacy of local anesthetics while removing buccal and palatal miniscrews. Materials and methodsFifty-five patients were selected in this randomized, double-blind, prospective study, of which 25 patients were recruited for palatal miniscrew removal (PR group) and 30 for buccal miniscrew removal (BR group). Each patient in the PR group received topical anesthesia on one side and an injection of local anesthetic on the other before palatal miniscrew removal. Each patient in the BR group received topical anesthesia on one side and topical placebo gel on the other before buccal mini-implant removal. Patients were asked to complete a visual analog pain scale (VAS) at different time points. A factorial repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine any statistically significant difference, if any. ResultsIn the PR group, there were significant differences in mean VAS scores at A2 and A3 for the topical anesthetic in comparison with needle anesthetic. In the BR group, there were significant differences in mean VAS scores at A2 and A3 for the placebo anesthetic in comparison with the topical gel anesthetic. No significant associations were found between age and sex versus VAS measurements at any time point in both the groups. ConclusionTopical anesthesia cannot be considered an adequate and comfortable alternative to the injection of local anesthesia for pain control while palatal miniscrew removal is performed; however, using a topical benzocaine gel, when removing buccal interradicular mini-implants, is effective in controlling patient discomfort.