Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of EMLA Versus Ice as Topical Anesthetic in Prior to Needle Prick in Palatine Nerve Blocks—A Randomized Split Mouth Study EMLA Versus Ice as Topical Anesthetic in Dental Nerve Blocks

Background and Objectives The study aims to evaluate the pain efficacy of EMLA versus ice in palatine nerve blocks undergoing extraction. Materials and Methods A prospective randomized study, single-blind, split-mouth study carried out on a total of 20 healthy individuals needing extraction of bilateral maxillary teeth under local anesthesia referred to our department in the university from March 2021 to April 2022. Patients were randomly categorized into two groups: Group E (5% EMLA) and Group I (ice application), with 20 operative sites, respectively. In the study, the VAS—pain and satisfaction score and SEM score were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 software using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results Study results showed that 13 patients were men and 7 were women whose ages ranged from 46 ± 18 years. Statistical analysis of pain on the VAS scale showed that the mean score for Group E and Group I were 2.3 ± 0.47 and 3.2 ± 0.41(mean ± SD), respectively, which was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). On the statistical analysis of the SEM scale for Group E and Group I, the mean score was 1.00 ± 0.00 and 1.25 ± 0.44426 (mean ± SD), respectively, which was statistically significant ( P < 0.018). Conclusion EMLA and ice were both good topical anesthetics each with advantages and disadvantages in clinical use. Each clinician needs to weigh the pros and cons of the different available methods and expenses to determine what type of anesthetic to use for each particular case during treatment.