Evaluation of the Effect of Adding Dexamethasone to 2% Lidocaine

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial aimed at the evaluation of the effect of adding dexamethasone to 2% lidocaine, given as inferior alveolar nerve block in the endodontic management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. One hundred and twenty four patients received one of the three IANB injections before the endodontic treatment: 2% lidocaine with 1:80 000 epinephrine; 2% lidocaine with 1:80 000 epinephrine mixed with 2mg dexamethasone; and plain 2% lidocaine mixed with 2mg dexamethasone. The anesthetia was considered successful if the patients experienced no pain or faint/weak/mild pain during root canal access preparation and instrumentation (HP VAS score \<55 mm). The effect of intraligamentary injections on maximum heart rates was also recorded.