What is the most common local anesthetic agent used in dentistry?

Lidocaine is widely recognized as the most common local anesthetic agent used in dentistry due to its effectiveness and rapid onset of action. It has a favorable safety profile, making it suitable for a majority of dental procedures. Unlike some other local anesthetics, lidocaine provides a reliable and consistent level of anesthesia, which is crucial during dental surgeries and treatments.

Lidocaine can also be used in various formulations and concentrations, allowing dental professionals to tailor the anesthesia to specific procedures and patient needs. Its effectiveness in managing pain and anxiety during dental treatments has made it the go-to choice in many dental offices.

Other agents, like procaine, mepivacaine, and articaine, do have their roles in specific situations or among certain patient populations, but lidocaine remains the standard option for most dental applications due to its combination of reliability, rapid effectiveness, and broad acceptance among practitioners.