Variants of inferior alveolar nerve block: A review

The inferior alveolar nerve block is the most common method for obtaining mandibular anaesthesia in dental practice, but it is estimated to have a success rate of only 80 to 85%. Traditional anaesthesia of the mandibular nerve and its branches consists of deposition of anaesthetic solution in the region of the mandibular foramen. This commonly used technique eliminates all somatosensory perception of the mandible, mandibular teeth, floor of the mouth, ipsilateral tongue, and all but the lateral (buccal) gingivae. In the case of difficulty-to-anesthetize patient, the inferior alveolar nerve can be particularly challenging. In those patients, other approaches may be necessary to achieve profound anaesthesia. This article summarizes the different approaches that may be utilized in such cases. How to cite this article Anuradha M, Yashavanth Kumar DS, Harsha VB, Rahul S. Variants of inferior alveolar nerve block. CODS J Dent 2014;6;35-39