The administration of local anaesthesia is the most common procedure in daily clinical practice1.
The ideal characteristics for a local anaesthetic are2:
- Selective on nervous tissue, efficient and reversible
- Minimal adverse effects for patients
- Long stability of drug properties
The effectiveness of local anaesthesia depends on selecting the right agent and administering it correctly. Consequently, it is important that the anaesthetic solution is contained in an adequate primary packaging that ensures safe and successful administration.
The use of single-use local anaesthetic cartridges is recommended in dentistry over multi-dose vials or ampoules 3, 5. In this article we highlight some of the main reasons why:
Advantages of single-use cartridges
The advantages of a single-use cartridge vs multi-dose containers (ampoules/vials) are:
1. Hygiene and Safety 4, 5, 6, 9:
- Single-Use Cartridges: Designed for one-time use, reducing the risk of contamination and infection. Moreover, they provide enhanced safety by enabling the professional to perform the aspiration technique.
- Multi-Dose Containers: Higher risk of injuries when opening certain recipients and possibility of contamination due to repeated use.
2. Convenience 3, 4, 8:
- Single-Use Cartridges: Pre-measured doses and the use of dental syringes simplify the administration process and handling.
- Multi-Dose Containers: Require careful measurement, increasing the chance of dosage errors. The administration cannot be performed with dental syringes, therefore complicating the administration process.
3. Storage and Stability 4, 7, 8:
- Single-Use Cartridges: Easier to store and maintain stability when kept in original packaging and dry conditions.
- Multi-Dose Containers: More complex storage requirements and potential for reduced stability after opening.
A suitable container for the dental anaesthetic solution represents less risk for the patient and the healthcare professional. By choosing single-use cartridges, dental professionals can ensure a safer, more efficient, and reliable anaesthetic administration, ultimately enhancing patient care 3, 5.
References:
- Garcia Peñín A, Guisado Moya B, Montalvo Moreno JJ. Risks and complications of local anaesthesia in dental office. Current situation. RCOE [Internet]. 2003 Feb [cited 2024 April]. Available in: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1138-123X2003000100004&lng=es.
- Pipa-Vallejo A, García-Pola-Vallejo Mª J. Anestésicos locales en odontoestomatología. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 2004;9:438-43. ISSN 1698-4447.
- Renu SM, Rao AP, Biranthabail D, Natarajan S, Mahabala KY, Panakaje A. Screening for Microbial Contamination of Multi-dose Lignocaine Vials in a Dental Hospital: A Prospective Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2023 Sep-Oct;16(5):678-680. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2614. PMID: 38162248; PMCID: PMC10753101.
- Sacha GA, Saffell-Clemmer W, Abram K, Akers MJ. Practical fundamentals of glass, rubber, and plastic sterile packaging systems. Pharm Dev Technol. 2010 Jan-Feb;15(1):6-34. doi: 10.3109/10837450903511178. PMID: 20088708.
- Decloux D, Ouanounou A. Local anaesthesia in dentistry: a review. Int Dent J. 2020 Sep 17;71(2):87–95. doi: 10.1111/idj.12615. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32944974; PMCID: PMC9275172.
- Pocket Dentistry. Fastest Clinical Dentistry Insight Engine. Instrument Set and Equipment [Internet]. 2003 Feb [cited 2024 April]. Available in: https://pocketdentistry.com/instrument-set-and-equipment/
- McGoldrick M. Infection prevention: single- and multidose vial management. Home Healthc Now. 2015 Mar;33(3):171-2. doi: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000000206. PMID: 25738277.
- 9. Nagendrababu V, Abbott PV, Pulikkotil SJ, Veettil SK, Dummer PMH. Comparing the anaesthetic efficacy of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of anaesthetic solution for inferior alveolar nerve blocks for teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Int Endod 2021 Mar;54(3):331-342. doi: 10.1111/iej.13428. Epub 2020 Nov 10. PMID: 33040335.
