Benzocaine gel comes in various concentrations, such as 20%. The dose of benzocaine can be calculated as:
dose of benzobaine in mg =
= (percent benzocaine) * (milligrams of the gell applied)
Benzocaine gel can be effective if:
(1) The person has an appropriate indication (caries, lost restoration, tooth fracture).
(2) The instructions on the package are clearly written and easy to understand.
(3) The instructions include a diagram that clearly shows how to apply the gel to the affected tooth.
(4) The patient follows the instructions.
(5) A sufficient dose of gel is applied.
The end-point is rapid onset of pain relief that lasts for as long as possible.
