Recent advances and perspectives in topical oral anesthesia

Author(s)

Franz-Montan, Michelle ; de Morais Ribeiro, Ligia Nunes ; Volpato, Maria Cristina ; Saia Cereda, Cintia Maria ; Groppo, Francisco Carlos ; Tofoli, Giovana Randomille ; de Araujo, Daniele Ribeiro ; Santi, Patrizia ; Padula, Cristina ; de Paula, Eneida

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery; v. 14, n. 5, p. 673-684, MAY 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

Introduction: Topical anesthesia is widely used in dentistry to reduce pain caused by needle insertion and injection of the anesthetic. However, successful anesthesia is not always achieved using the formulations that are currently commercially available. As a result, local anesthesia is still one of the procedures that is most feared by dental patients. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) provide ways of improving the efficacy of topical agents. Areas covered: An overview of the structure and permeability of oral mucosa is given, followed by a review of DDSs designed for dental topical anesthesia and their related clinical trials. Chemical approaches to enhance permeation and anesthesia efficacy, or to promote superficial anesthesia, include nanostructured carriers (liposomes, cyclodextrins, polymeric nanoparticle systems, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers) and different pharmaceutical dosage forms (patches, bio- and mucoadhesive systems, and hydrogels). Physical methods include pre-cooling, vibration, iontophoresis, and microneedle arrays. Expert opinion: The combination of different chemical and physical methods is an attractive option for effective topical anesthesia in oral mucosa. This comprehensive review should provide the readers with the most relevant options currently available to assist pain-free dental anesthesia. The findings should be considered for future clinical trials. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/06974-4 - Development, biocompatibility and permeation studies on gel formulations of poly-epsilon-caprolactone nanocapsules containing local anesthetics
• Grantee: Michelle Franz Montan Braga Leite
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/14457-5 - Lipid-based nanocarriers (SLN/NLC and remote-loading liposomes) used to improve the upload and potency of local anesthetics
• Grantee: Eneida de Paula
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants