ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: An increase in blood pressure during dental treatment has been investigated with regard to potential medical risks since previous studies suggest that dental procedures may cause stress to the patient and, consequently, the cardiovascular system. The aim of the present study was to analyze hemodynamic changes following the administration of either 2% lidocaine (L100) or 4% articaine (A100) (both with epinephrine 1:100,000) in the surgical removal of symmetrically positioned lower third molars. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was carried out involving 47 patients. Each patient underwent 1 surgery at each of 2 appointments--one under local anesthesia with L100 and the other with A100. The following parameters were assessed at 4 different times: systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure; heart rate; oxygen saturation; rate pressure product; and pressure rate quotient. RESULTS: No hypertensive peak was observed in systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure at any evaluation time. Moreover, the type of anesthetic solution did not affect diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation during the surgeries. The pressure rate quotient was the only parameter to exhibit statistically significant differences between groups at different evaluation times (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamic parameters evaluated in third molar surgery with 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine (both with epinephrine 1:100,000) did not show significant differences.
