Selection of local anesthetics in dentistry: clinical impression versus scientific assessment.

Since its introduction to in the United States about six years ago, 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine has been used by dentists as a local anesthetic agent. This article reviews three claims that have been advanced regarding articaine: high diffusibility, reduced incidence of failure in block injections, and effectiveness in achieving anesthesia when used in cases involving irreversible pulpitis.