Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey On The Choice Of Local Anesthetic Solution and Methods Used To Anesthetize Dental Pulp By General Dental Practitioners

Introduction: Pain is the most common symptom reported to the dentists. Alleviation of pain and discomfort hence becomes the first priority in the management of a patient. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the various factors that play an important role in the selection of the local anesthetic solution by dentists in general. The knowledge and practical skills of the dentists for administration of local anesthesia were assessed and also their interest to know of the advancements in local anesthesia checked upon. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey with a structured questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was performed among general dental practitioners and the responses obtained by 302 general dental practitioners were recorded. Results: It was found that the majority of the dentists chose Lignocaine and their choice depended upon the chemical characteristics and efficacy of the solution. Nerve blocks remain the choice of administration of local anesthetic solution followed by local infiltration and intrapulpal methods. Conclusion: This KAP survey gives us the results that most dentists do follow the protocol for injecting local anesthetic solutions. Sessions and talks educating the practitioners may be necessary to ensure a better and more positive practice of local anesthetic administration and lessen the scope of local anesthetic failures.