Mandibular anesthetic techniques present a lower success rate when compared to Maxillary anaesthetic techniques due to greater density of the mandibular alveolar bone, limited access to the inferior alveolar nerve, marked anatomical variations, and need for deeper needle penetration into the soft tissue.
Considering that anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve is often applied in dental treatments and that the achievement of a successful technique is a concern among professionals, primarily those with less experience or who work with children or anxious patients, an alternative method is suggested for inferior alveolar nerve block, using anatomical reference points that are easily observed during application of anesthesia, simplifying the learning process, the technique and consequently increasing the success rate.
Unfortunately, this nerve block has a comparatively high failure rate. John Alonge, MS, DDS presents tips for successful mandibular block anesthesia.
