What is a compounded topical anesthetic?
Topical anesthetics are standard tools dentists use to numb the skin or mucous membranes before dental procedures. Compounded topical anesthetics are a specially formulated mixture of powder anesthetics, a vasoactive agent, a wetting agent, a base, and ingredients for flavor and color. These ingredients are carefully chosen based on the type of dental work, as some drugs work faster and others last longer.
It can numb gums and soft tissues during dental procedures like scaling, root planing, pre-injection, and taking impressions or X-rays. It’s also used for orthodontic Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) and palatal procedures.
Some common active ingredients in compounded topical anesthetics include Lidocaine, Tetracaine, Prilocaine, and Phenylephrine. Compounding pharmacies use precision and care to create customized topical anesthetics that meet the doctor’s exact specifications, using only the highest quality ingredients.
What is the purpose of topical anesthesia?
They are typically utilized to alleviate pain and itchiness caused by sunburns, insect bites or stings, minor cuts, scratches, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. These anesthetics reduce pain during dental treatments and alleviate dental phobia, particularly in young children.
It functions by blocking signals from the peripheral sensory nerve fibers. It’s crucial to note that they do not cause unconsciousness, unlike general anesthetics used in surgeries. The most commonly employed in dentistry contains either benzocaine or Lidocaine.
How effective is topical anesthesia?
It is a method employed to alleviate patient discomfort while administering local anesthesia. Though it may be less potent than systemic lidocaine administration, it can be applied to the upper airway to minimize hemodynamic responses to endotracheal intubation. The anesthesia can take effect in as little as 10 minutes but lasts only for around 10 minutes, so the procedure should be performed within approximately two minutes after its administration.
While topical anesthesia can be advantageous for reducing patient discomfort, it may not be appropriate for children if the taste is unpleasant. Furthermore, excessive application time may increase apprehension of the approaching procedure. When applied topically, Lidocaine can penetrate up to 8 10 mm in depth.
Various factors, including the thickness and surface area of the skin at the application site, local blood flow, and the duration of application, can influence the quantity of Lidocaine absorbed.
How do you know if topical anesthesia is working?
After applying a local anesthetic typically takes a few minutes for it to take effect. Once the drug starts working, you should lose sensation in the area where it was applied. The feeling should return a few hours after the medication has worn off.
It can be beneficial in relieving pain and itching. They are often used during an intravenous catheter insertion to reduce discomfort.
Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic; a higher dose can provide more extended relief. However, topical anesthetics may cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Although cocaine was the first local anesthetic used, it has become rare.
How deep does topical Lidocaine penetrate?
The penetration depth can be affected by the stratum corneum’s thickness, the application site’s surface area, local vascularity, and the duration of the application. Most people start to feel a numbing effect within 30 to 60 minutes.
Too much Lidocaine can cause unwanted effects because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin. You should use Lidocaine precisely as directed by your doctor.
What is the most potent topical anesthetic?
Tetracaine is a potent topical anesthetic frequently utilized in dental procedures. Its effectiveness surpasses cocaine 5 to 8 times, making it the preferred choice of many dentists and hygienists. Compounded topical anesthetics are often preferred since they deliver quicker and longer-lasting anesthesia. In dermatology, triple anesthetic cream is the most potent numbing cream available. Curious Numbing Relief is the most potent lidocaine cream available for non-prescription options, containing 5% lidocaine. Any strengths above 5% necessitate a prescription from a doctor.
What is a Profound Gel?
Profound Gel is a powerful solution for managing pain during dental procedures. Its unique formula combines three active ingredients: Lidocaine, prilocaine, and tetracaine, which work together to provide superior efficacy to other topical anesthetics.
It is often used as an alternative to injectable solutions for numbing the area before dental procedures. It is beneficial for alleviating the pain associated with scaling and root planing/deep cleanings.
Originally developed for soft-tissue laser surgery, Profound Gel is now available in a 30-gram jar to qualified practitioners. With its proven track record of success, it’s no wonder that so many dental professionals trust Profound Gel to provide their patients with safe and effective pain relief.
What are the ingredients used in Profound Gel?
Profound Gel is a top-grade topical anesthetic that features a powerful combination of three active ingredients: 10% lidocaine, 10% prilocaine, and 4% tetracaine. This unique blend of ingredients delivers superior efficacy compared to using a single topical anesthetic agent. It is often used as a viable alternative to local anesthetic injections, and is commonly applied to numb the area before injection. Additionally, topical analgesics are also available in the form of sprays, solutions, and ointments.
