Children's preference of benzocaine gel versus the lidocaine patch.

Purpose: This study compared pain, acceptance, and preference associated with 2 topical anesthetics: benzocaine gel and lidocaine patch (DentiPatch).

Methods: Thirty patients aged 3 to 10 years participated in this within-subjects study. All children required identical or similar dental work bilaterally (restorations, extractions, endodontic procedures, or sealants).