Effect of Local Anesthesia with and without Adrenaline on Blood Glucose Concentration, Blood Pressure, and Pulse Rate in Patients Undergoing Tooth Extractions: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Local anesthesia is a fundamental component of dental procedures, particularly tooth extractions. The addition of adrenaline to local anesthetic solutions enhances anesthetic efficacy and prolongs its action, but may induce systemic changes, especially in blood pressure, pulse rate, and blood glucose levels. Understanding these physiological effects is critical to ensuring patient safety, particularly in individuals with cardiovascular or metabolic concerns. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of local anesthesia with and without adrenaline on blood glucose concentration, blood pressure, and pulse rate in patients undergoing tooth extractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, comparative clinical study was conducted over 5 months on 110 patients requiring tooth extraction. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received lignocaine 2% with adrenaline (1:80,000) and Group B received lignocaine 2% plain solution. Blood glucose levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate were recorded at three intervals: preanesthesia, 10 min postanesthesia, and immediately postextraction. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics were comparable between both the groups. Group A exhibited significant increases in systolic blood pressure (138.20 ± 10.45 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (87.10 ± 8.15 mmHg), blood glucose levels (112.85 ± 12.34 mg/dL), and pulse rate (88.40 ± 7.20 bpm) compared to Group B (126.75 ± 8.45 mmHg, 79.85 ± 7.10 mmHg, 101.90 ± 10.55 mg/dL, and 78.45 ± 6.10 bpm, respectively) postextraction ( P < 0.001). Percentage changes from baseline were significantly higher in Group A across all parameters. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the use of adrenaline-containing local anesthesia during tooth extractions should have a cautious approach when dealing with patients. While the technique is effective for achieving hemostasis and prolonged anesthetic action, caution is advised, particularly in elderly or medically compromised patients. Careful patient selection and continuous monitoring are essential to minimize potential complications.