PubMed2000
OBJECTIVE: To investigate patients considered to have experienced allergic reactions to local anaesthetics administered for dental treatment. SETTING: Dental facility within a general hospital. PROCEDURE: Skin and intra-oral challenge tests. RESULTS: No patients were found to be allergic to lignocaine or prilocaine. The most likely causes of the adverse reactions were found to be psychogenic. CONCLUSION: Although allergy to lignocaine (and the other amide anaesthetic agents used in dentistry) is known to be extremely rare, it continues to be suggested as a cause when adverse reactions to dental injections occur. Psychogenic reactions are the main causes of untoward events, and some can be alarming. A smaller proportion of adverse responses can be attributed to (avoidable) intravascular injections. Adverse reactions can be reduced if injections are administered carefully.