Management of patients with allergy to local anesthetics: two case reports

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic (LA) agent in various dental as well as oral and maxillofacial procedures. Although rare, adverse effects and allergic reactions to lidocaine have been reported. In patients with suspected allergy to LA or a history of such reaction, careful history-taking and allergy testing should be performed to choose an alternative LA agent to avoid any adverse effects. Here, we present two cases of delayed hypersensitivity reaction to lidocaine, wherein the patients presented with erythema, edema, and itching. Intradermal testing confirmed allergic reaction to lidocaine, and the patients underwent successful dental treatment using an alternative LA agent. This report highlights the importance of allergy testing prior to LA use considering the serious consequences of allergy to these agents and describes the management of such patients using an alternative LA agent.

Reduction in post extraction waiting period for dental implant patients using plasma rich in growth factors: an in vivo study using cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of plasma-rich growth factors (PRGF) on accelerating bone regeneration/repair in fresh extraction sockets, and determined the quality and quantity of bone by assessing the bone density using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients, who had undergone bilateral extractions, were included in this study. In one extraction socket, PRGF was used and covered with an autologous fibrin plug. Nothing was used in the opposite side extraction socket. Thirteen weeks post extraction, the level of bone regeneration was evaluated on both sides with CBCT. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the mean bone density according to the Hounsfield units (HU) in the control group and PRGF group was 500.05 HU (type III bone type) and 647.95 HU (type II bone type), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study recommends the use of PRGF in post extraction sites to accelerate the rate of bone regeneration and improve the quality of regenerated bone. The technique to process PRGF was simple compared to previously mentioned techniques used for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation. PRP preparation requires a two-cycle centrifugation procedure, leading to a longer processing time.

Reduction in post extraction waiting period for dental implant patients using plasma rich in growth factors: an in vivo study using cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVES@#This study examined the effects of plasma-rich growth factors (PRGF) on accelerating bone regeneration/repair in fresh extraction sockets, and determined the quality and quantity of bone by assessing the bone density using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#Twenty patients, who had undergone bilateral extractions, were included in this study. In one extraction socket, PRGF was used and covered with an autologous fibrin plug. Nothing was used in the opposite side extraction socket. Thirteen weeks post extraction, the level of bone regeneration was evaluated on both sides with CBCT.@*RESULTS@#At the end of the study, the mean bone density according to the Hounsfield units (HU) in the control group and PRGF group was 500.05 HU (type III bone type) and 647.95 HU (type II bone type), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#This study recommends the use of PRGF in post extraction sites to accelerate the rate of bone regeneration and improve the quality of regenerated bone. The technique to process PRGF was simple compared to previously mentioned techniques used for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation. PRP preparation requires a two-cycle centrifugation procedure, leading to a longer processing time.