EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES ON THE PAIN EXPERIENCED, ONSET AND DURATION OF LOCAL ANAESTHESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGICAL EXTRACTION OF MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Lignocaine, a widely used anesthetic, is a weakly basic salt that exists in its unionized form at the ideal temperature and pH. The change in temperature effects the dissociation constant of the drug, which causes more lignocaine to exist in its ionized form. This study explores how temperature changes of the anesthetic agent affect its pharmacodynamics and action, which expresses itself in terms of onset, duration of action, and pain experienced.

Aim and Objectives:

Aim: This study aims to study the effects of using local anesthesia cooled to 4’C as opposed to local anesthesia at room temperature, for the surgical extraction of impacted mandibular molars.

Objectives:

Pain on administration

Onset and duration of action

Material and Methods: This is a prospective, split-mouth study conducted at Saveetha Dental College during a period of 1 month. 40 patients requiring bilateral surgical extraction of mandibular third molars were taken up for the study. Surgical extraction was done using LA at room temperature in the first appointment, and cooled LA in the next appointment. The VAS score, onset and duration of action were recorded and compared.

Results: A small (but significant) change can be observed in the pain experienced during the administration of local anesthesia at 4’C and local anesthesia at room temperature. There was a significant increase in the Onset of action and the duration of action.

Conclusion: Local anesthesia cooled to 4’C has no effect on the pain experienced by the patient, but prolongs the onset and duration of action.