Palatal anaesthesia for the removal of maxillary third molars as practised by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Background: Injections of local anaesthetic to the palate are well known to be poorly tolerated. The absolute requirement of a palatal injection for the removal of maxillary third molars has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to document the current practice of palatal anaesthesia for extraction of these teeth with local anaesthesia as practised by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Methods: A postal survey was sent via the ANZAOMS office to all oral and maxillofacial surgeons who were members of the Australian and New Zealand Association, a total of 131. A response rate of 64 per cent (n=84) was achieved. The frequency of administration and the factors that determined the deci..