Anesthetic Buffering: New Advances for Use in Dentistry A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Demetra Daskalos Logothetis, RDH MS

Local anesthetics are the safest drugs used in dentistry for pain management, but cause undesirable qualities such as stinging and burning upon injection, relatively slow onset of action, and unreliable or no anesthesia when injected into infected tissues. Buffering of local anesthetics has been demonstrated to counteract these undesirable qualities of local anesthetics. Recent advances in technology have made buffering of local anesthetics practical for use to alkalinize dental local anesthetic cartridges chairside immediately prior to injection, making the anesthetic’s onset quicker, more reliable, and more comfortable for the patient. This article provides an overview of neurophysiology, pharmacology of local anesthetics, and the role and benefits of local anesthetic buffering. Educational Objectives The overall goal of this course is to familiarize the dental hygienist with current dental anesthetics. Upon completion of this course, the clinician will be able to do the following: 1. Overview of neurophysiology 2. Overview of local anesthetic pharmacology: structure of local anesthetics, properties and ionization factors of local anesthetics, dissociation constant (pKa) and its effects on the onset of action of local anesthetics 3. Discuss the benefits of ex vivo buffering process Author Profile Demetra Daskalos Logothetis RDH, MS is Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico Department of Dental Medicine, and currently Visiting Professor, and Graduate Program Director, Division of Dental Hygiene. Demetra has been a Professor at the University of New Mexico for 26 years, and served as the Dental Hygiene Program Director for 16 years. She has been teaching local anesthesia for 17 years, and is the author of Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist, a new textbook by Elsevier Publishing (copyright 2012) exclusively related to local anesthesia for the practice of dental hygiene. Author Disclosure Demetra Daskalos has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose. Publication date: Jan. 2013 Expiration date: Dec. 2015 This educational activity was developed by PennWell’s Dental Group with no commercial support. This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, from novice to skilled. Educational Methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity. Provider Disclosure: PennWell does not have a leadership position or a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity nor with the commercial supporter. No manufacturer or third party has had any input into the development of course content. Requirements for Successful Completion: To obtain 1 CE credit for this educational activity you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation and obtain a score of at least 70%. CE Planner Disclosure: Heather Hodges, CE Coordinator does not have a leadership or commercial interest with products or services discussed in this educational activity. Heather can be reached at [email protected] Educational Disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise. Registration: The cost of this CE course is $20.00 for 1 CE credit. Cancellation/Refund Policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting PennWell in writing. Supplement to PennWell Publications PennWell designates this activity for 1 Continuing Educational Credit. Dental Board of California: Provider 4527, course registration number 01-4527-12075 “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 1 unit of continuing education. ” The PennWell Corporation is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing dental education programs of this program provider are accepted by the AGD for Fellowship, Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from (11/1/2011) to (10/31/2015) Provider ID# 320452. Go Green, Go Online to take your course