What is the primary local anesthetic used in dental procedures?

Lidocaine is the primary local anesthetic used in dental procedures due to its rapid onset of action, effective analgesia, and relatively short duration of action that can be tailored to the needs of various dental tasks. It provides sufficient numbness for most routine dental treatments, which is critical for patient comfort and procedural success.

Lidocaine also has a good safety profile, with a relatively low incidence of adverse effects, making it a preferred choice among dentists and anesthesiologists alike. Its ability to block nerve conduction effectively while maintaining patient safety makes it a staple in dental practices.

The other local anesthetics mentioned, while useful in different contexts, do not offer the same combination of speed, efficacy, and favorable safety characteristics that lidocaine does for routine dental procedures.