Intradermal Testing on Patients with Putative Allergic Reactions to Local Anaesthetics – Analysis of 611 Cases

Allergic reactions to LA agents of the amide type are relatively rare. Although the incidence is not known, it has been widely quoted that less than 1% of all reactions to LA are allergic. 6 Many patients and some clinicians immediately declare any adverse reactions that occur after an LA injection an allergy. Unfortunately, however, many patients who have experienced these reactions never have diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the reaction. This may lead to reluctance on the part of the dental practitioner to administer LA and to provide dental service for these individuals. Many of these patients avoid dental care or undergo general anaesthesia for their regular dental visits.