Evaluating nerve damage risk from local anesthesia

Risk of Nerve Damage After Administration of an Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Using 4% Articaine Versus 2% Lidocaine

Phase 1 Interventional Cleveland Dental Institute · NCT06564987

This study is testing whether using articaine or lidocaine for dental numbing shots affects the risk of nerve damage in patients.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorCleveland Dental Institute Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Akron, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06564987 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the risk of nerve damage following the administration of two local anesthetics, articaine 4% and lidocaine 2%, during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB). In a randomized controlled clinical trial, patients will be assigned to receive either articaine or lidocaine, with the type of anesthetic concealed from the operators and assessors. Participants will be monitored for signs of nerve paresthesia for three months post-procedure to assess any potential nerve injuries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-55 who require an Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions, allergies, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify safer local anesthesia options, reducing the risk of nerve damage for dental patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored local anesthetic safety, but this specific comparison of articaine and lidocaine in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with age between 18-55 years old
* Patients need IANB
* healthy patient

Exclusion Criteria:

* medical conditions
* allergies
* medications
* pregnancy and breastfeeding
* inability to provide informed consent
* specific dental or medical history.

Where this trial is running

Akron, Ohio and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injuries
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.