Oraqix® is a microemulsion of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine gel that is indicated for patients who require localized anesthesia in periodontal pockets during scaling and root planing procedures. The product is dispensed as a liquid and then sets as a gel at body temperature. The solution is placed in the periodontal pocket through a blunt-tip needle from a proprietary dispenser.
Oraqix has a rapid onset of anesthesia and a duration of action sufficient for most SRP procedures. Most patients had adequate anesthesia for treatment and preferred Oraqix to local anesthetic. Oraqix does not require an injection and Advanced Oral Hygiene (AOH) technicians and hygienists were able to treat patients without a dentist providing local anesthesia for pain control. The user-friendly, autoclavable dispenser provided the ability to selectively deliver anesthesia. Contraindications were similar to other local anesthetics. Lot numbers and expirations dates were printed on each package and cartridge.
Many patients reported they disliked the taste of the solution. The dispenser may be difficult to use for providers with small hands, and it may limit access to posterior areas and into a tight sulcus. Oraqix is more expensive than local anesthetic and may not be effective for all patients.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
