Name two ester local anesthetics that have been used in dentistry.

• A. Procaine and Benzocaine
• B. Lidocaine and Prilocaine
• C. Mepivacaine and Articaine
• D. Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine

Answer: (A)

Esters in local anesthesia are typically hydrolyzed quickly by plasma cholinesterases, which gives them shorter duration and often limits their use to simpler or shorter procedures. Historically, dentistry used two ester-type agents: procaine for injectable blocks and benzocaine for topical anesthesia. That’s why this pair is correct. The other options are all amide-type anesthetics (lidocaine, prilocaine; mepivacaine and articaine; bupivacaine and ropivacaine), which are metabolized mainly in the liver and generally have longer durations.