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LA in Pregnancy — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePain & Anxiety ControlLA in PregnancyNDEB AFK

Which of the following is the most appropriate local anaesthetic choice for a pregnant patient requiring dental treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: BLidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine

Lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine is the recommended local anaesthetic for pregnant patients. It is FDA pregnancy category B (no evidence of fetal harm in animal studies) and has the longest safety track record. Prilocaine should be avoided due to the risk of methaemoglobinaemia in the fetus. Mepivacaine without vasoconstrictor provides shorter duration and may require larger volumes. Dental treatment is safest during the second trimester.

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