The pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of local anesthesia for dental treatment between marijuana users and nonusers, given the common clinical impression that individuals with a history of recreational drug use might be challenging to anesthetize. Healthy adult males and females identified as chronic marijuana users or nonusers, and they received a standard maxillary infiltration of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine, and the tooth was tested with an electric pulp tester (EPT) at intervals. Findings revealed that 88% of nonusers and 61% of users were successfully anesthetized, and although not statistically significant (P = .073), it suggested differences in local anesthetic success. Yet, there were no significant disparities between the groups in terms of anesthesia onset or duration. Despite these findings, the study stressed the need for larger investigations to provide more conclusive evidence.
The research reflects the importance of understanding the efficacy of local anesthesia for dental procedures among marijuana users, filling a gap in existing literature that lacks adequate exploration on this topic. The study’s methodology involved a comparative assessment between chronic marijuana users and nonusers to assess their anesthetic response, introducing insights valuable for dental professionals seeking to deliver optimal treatment to patients using marijuana. However, the study underlined the necessity for broader investigations to confirm these initial findings and encouraged further research on the impact of marijuana use on dental patient care.