Dental patches are also called adhesive patches. They are mucoadhesive patches that contains local anesthetics that is used to numb the area of the site and to reduce the pain. Dental patches are alternatives to topical anesthetics. It penetrates the drug to the gum tissue. Dental patches are used to produce anesthesia in minor dental surgeries. It is not used in major dental surgeries as it has less duration of action.
How it works?
- Dental patches are adhesive patches containing local anesthetic agent.
- Dental patches does not apply on the broken or damaged skin. It may cause irritation.
- Before applying the dental patch, the area is cleaned and dried.
- Then patch is placed over the surface of the area where anesthesia is needed.
- It takes 3-4mins to anesthetize the area.
- Then anesthetic agent gets released slowly from the patch and penetrates into the gum tissue.
- Anesthetic action can lasts up to 45 minutes.
Anesthetic agent in dental patches:
Anesthetic agents used in the dental patches are lidocaine and priloaine. Lidocaine is mostly used as it is more potent.
Benefits of dental patches:
- Dental patches are safer to use
- Activity lasts for about 45 minutes
- Does not induce any pain
- Used to anesthetize in diabetic patients
Side effects of dental patches:
- Swelling of the skin under the patch
- Redness of the skin under the patch
- Blurred vision
- Skin rashes
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
Contraindications with dental patches:
- Patients with heart problems are contraindicated to dental patches. Lidocaine increases the heart beat
- Patients with liver damage
- In pregnant women it may affect the fetus
- Patients taking over the counter medicines
Limitations of dental patches:
- It is not suitable to apply over large surface
- It is not suitable for children and old age people
- It shows allergic reactions to some medications
Compared to other topical anesthetics, dental patches are more preferred as it has more duration of action.