Anaesthetic Efficacy of 2% Mepivacaine Versus 4% Articaine With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

The aim of this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial was to assess the effect of 3.6 mL 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine compared to 3.4 mL 4% articaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 epinephrine on the success of the inferior alveolar nerve block for patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars. Patients were clinically and radiographically examined and their eligibility assessed and preoperative pain was measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: experimental group (2% mepivacaine) and the control group (4% articaine). After 15 minutes of the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), patients reporting lip numbness had their molars accessed. No-to-mild pain response was considered success during root canal preparation.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients in good health (American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I or II).
• Patients having symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in one of their mandibular molars.
• Age range between 18 to 50 years.
• Patients who can understand Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
• Positive patient acceptance and the ability to sign an informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant females.
• Patients allergic to articaine, mepivacaine and/or any used medication or material.
• Patients having active sites of pathosis in the area of injection.
• Patients having active pain in more than one molar.
• Patients who had taken analgesics in the 12 hours preceding treatment.