Buffered Local Anaesthetic and Its Effects on Haemodynamic Stability during Conventional Root Canal Treatment in Normotensive Patients: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Background: The injection pain and ineffective local anaesthesia (LA) can be a source of anxiety during root canal therapy (RCT) and can alter haemodynamic parameters. Buffering of the local anaesthetic solution has been shown to shortens anaesthetic onset time and injection pain thereby providing more effective anaethesia. The effect of local anaesthetic buffering on haemodynamic stability during RCT has not been widely explored. Hence this study aimed to investigate the effects of buffered and non-buffered LA on haemodynamic parameters in normotensive patients undergoing RCT.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled study conducted among 80 normotensive subjects undergoing RCT over 15 months (January, 2024 to March, 2025). After obtaining ethical approval from the research and ethic committee of the institution, subjects were randomized in to group A and B who received buffered and non-buffered LA respectively. Haemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, SpO?) were measured at presentation, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post drug administration. The data obtained was analyzed using IBM-SPSS (version 25).

Results: There were 39 (48.7%) males, 41(51.3) females in the age range of 19-69 years with a mean±SD of 38.34±13.44 years. No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, or oxygen saturation at presentation, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post LA administration. (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Buffered lignocaine with sodium bicarbonate was not found to significantly affect haemodynamic stability in normotensive patients when used during RCT, hence can be used safely.