Which local anesthetic is typically used for dental procedures?

Lidocaine is the local anesthetic most commonly used for dental procedures due to its effective anesthetic properties, rapid onset, and relatively short duration of action. It provides profound anesthesia in the target area while allowing for quick recovery, which is particularly important in a dental context where procedures can vary in length.

Additionally, lidocaine is well tolerated and has a lower risk of causing adverse effects compared to some other local anesthetics. Its safety profile, coupled with its efficacy, makes it the preferred choice among dental practitioners for various procedures, including extractions, fillings, and other interventions that require localized anesthesia. While other agents like bupivacaine, prilocaine, and mepivacaine may have their uses in specific contexts, lidocaine remains the standard for dental applications due to its balance of effectiveness and patient comfort.