Lidocaine Vasodilation — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePain & Anxiety ControlLidocaine VasodilationNDEB AFK

Which local anaesthetic is a vasodilator when used without epinephrine and therefore has the shortest duration of action among commonly used dental anaesthetics?

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Correct answer: D — Lidocaine

Lidocaine without epinephrine has the shortest duration of action (approximately 5-10 minutes pulpal anaesthesia via infiltration) because it causes vasodilation, leading to rapid absorption from the injection site. Mepivacaine has mild vasoconstrictive properties and can provide 20-40 minutes of pulpal anaesthesia without a vasoconstrictor (mepivacaine 3% plain), making it the only commonly used amide LA that provides clinically useful anaesthesia without epinephrine.

Reference: Malamed – Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 7th ed., 2020