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Aim: To compare the efficacy, onset time and duration of maxillary infiltration anaesthesia with 0.5% plain ropivacaine or 4% articaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000 and to determine their possible influence on cardiovascular parameters., Methodology: Sixty volunteers received 1.8 mL of the anaesthetic for buccal infiltration anaesthesia of maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine teeth without caries, restorations or signs of pulpitis. The efficacy, onset time and duration of pulp anaesthesia were assessed with an electric pulp tester. The duration of numbness of the upper lip was also monitored. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after administration of the solutions., Results: The efficacy of anaesthesia of lateral and central incisors was 100% for both anaesthetics. There were insignificant differences in effectiveness of canine pulp anaesthesia. The mean onset time was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter for ropivacaine (2.22 min) when compared with articaine (4.08 min). The duration of action and soft tissue anaesthesia were also significantly (P < 0.05) longer for ropivacaine (79.2 and 264 min) when compared with articaine (63.7 and 195.2 min, respectively). Ropivacaine caused significant (P < 0.05) increases in blood pressure and heart rate., Conclusions: Ropivacaine (0.5%) achieved effective and long duration of uninflamed pulp and soft tissue anaesthesia. Ropivacaine could be useful for long-lasting operative procedures without the need for a vasoconstrictor., (© 2011 International Endodontic Journal.)