Comparative Effect of Topical Local Anaesthetic Spray & Gel in the Reduction of Pain on Periodontal Probing in Individuals with Untreated Chronic Periodontitis

The experience of pain during dental procedures is a concern to many individuals. In periodontal practice, the first meet between the patient and the periodontist is usually a periodontal examination. AIM: The present study aims to compare the efficacy of  local anaesthetic gel & spray in the reduction of pain on periodontal probing in a group of individuals with untreated chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty participants meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study and had full-mouth periodontal probing done at six sites per tooth. The participants were divided into 2 groups: Group I;15 patients with LOX 2% gel and Group II;15 patients were assessed with lignocaine spray. Intragroup comparison was done using paired t-test and Analysis of Variance was done for inter group comparison. RESULTS: The pre and post VAS score of the two groups over the periods were recorded of 2 minutes & 5 minutes. In Group I, the mean VAS at 2 min decreases comparatively from the base-line & remained lower significantly at 5 min  as compared to the  baseline. In contrast, in Group II, it decreased comparatively at 2 minutes but increases  at 5 minutes and reaches  almost the baseline value. CONCLUSION: For early pain relief, study found LOX 2% gel more effective than lignocaine spray in the of untreated chronic periodontitis.