Comparative Evaluation of Buccal Infiltration Technique with Buccal Plus Palatal Infiltration Technique Using 4% Articaine in Patients with Irreversible Pulpitis of Maxillary 1(st) Molars: A Prospective, Randomized, In-Vivo Study

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the buccal infiltration (BI) technique with the buccal plus palatal infiltration (BPI) technique using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. METHODS: A total of 50 adult patients received BI, and the other 50 adult patients received BPI with 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. During RCT procedure, when the patient experienced pain, the treatment was stopped and the extent of the procedure was documented. When a patient reported “no pain” (0 mm) or “weak/mild pain” (0 <= 54 mm), the anesthesia was considered successful. RESULTS: Statistical analysis using unpaired t-test showed that the mean pain scores in both groups were comparable. CONCLUSION: The pain scores in both groups were comparable, but BI is better than BPI as a painful and traumatic palatal injection was avoided.