The relationship of application time to EMLA efficacy.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of 5% Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) cream at application times of 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes to determine the most effective duration of topical anesthetic application on normal mucosa. A special instrument was used to apply pressure on the gingiva to obtain a threshold discomfort level in grams before and after the topical delivery.

Methods: Twenty mL of EMLA cream or a placebo was placed on the maxillary anteriorregion using Beckman paper wicks in the form of discs.