Fear of pain is closely associated with the most common method for blocking pain with administration of local anaesthetics. The main clinical use of local anaesthetics is to block the sensations of pain. Use of a local anaesthetic is a common practice in dentistry, and it is usually part of the daily routine in dental clinics worldwide. It allows both the operator and the patient to undergo the procedure more comfortably, pain free and less stressfully. Ironically, the injection itself may cause discomfort, pain, and/or pressure during delivery. In some patients, especially those with needle phobia, these sensations may result in avoidance of visiting the dentist, causing a delay in or a lack of dental treatment. The injection of local anaesthetic is perhaps the greatest source of patient fear and inability to obtain adequate pain control with minimal discomfort remains a significant concern of dental practitioners.
