Evaluation of local anaesthesia techniques preferred by paediatric dentists in pulpal procedures for mandibular primary molars.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the local anaesthesia methods preferred by paediatric dentists for pulpal treatments of mandibular primary molars, along with alternative techniques used when the initial approach failed. METHOD: A 23-item web-based survey was conducted. The first part collected demographic data, while the second included 16 multiple-choice questions based on clinical scenarios involving pulpal treatment of mandibular primary molars. Participants indicated their primary and alternative anaesthesia choices. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 330 paediatric dentists participated (mean age: 30.64 ± 5.01 years; 90% female). Anaesthesia preferences varied significantly by age, tooth position, and treatment type (p < 0.05). For pulpectomy in first primary molars, buccal infiltration was preferred in 4-year-olds (53.4%), whereas inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) was more common in 7-year-olds (60.1%, p = 0.002). In second molars, IANB was commonly preferred in both age groups, with significantly higher use in older children (p = 0.001). In pulpotomy procedures, buccal infiltration anaesthesia (BI) was mainly used in 4-year-olds (62.8% for first molars; 37.6% for second molars), while IANB was preferred in 7-year-olds (56.3% and 70.7%, p = 0.004 and p < 0.001). When the initial anaesthesia failed, intrapulpal (IPA) and intraligamentary anaesthesia (ILA) were the most common alternatives. CONCLUSION: Paediatric dentists' anaesthesia preferences are influenced by patient age, tooth position, and treatment type. The study reflects the importance of adapting anaesthesia techniques to clinical conditions and patient needs.