Local Anesthesia in Dentistry

Dr. Iyad Abou Rabii

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Reminder

§ The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves. It has both motor
and sensory components

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Figure of trigeminal nerve

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Reminder

§ The ophthalmic nerve carries sensory information from the scalp and
forehead, the upper eyelid, the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, the
nose (including the tip of the nose), the nasal mucosa, the frontal sinuses,

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Reminder : The maxillary nerve

§ The maxillary nerve carries sensory information from the lower eyelid
and cheek, the nares and upper lip, the upper teeth and gums, the nasal
mucosa, the palate and roof of the pharynx, the maxillary, ethmoid and
sphenoid sinuses, and parts of the meninges.

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Reminder; The maxillary nerve

§ The maxillary nerve continues into the infraorbital canal as the infraorbital
nerve.
§ The zygomatic nerve emerges and branches into its two major terminal
branches, the zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal nerves, which
innervate the lateral cheek and side of the forehead, respectively.
§ As it projects anteriorly, the infraorbital nerve gives off the anterior and
middle superior alveolar nerves, innervating the upper teeth. It then exits
the canal through the infraorbital foramen to innervate the upper lip,
cheek and side of the nose.

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Reminder : Mandibular nerve

§ The mandibular nerve carries sensory information from the lower lip, the
lower teeth and gums, the chin and jaw (except the angle of the jaw,
which is supplied by C2-C3), parts of the external ear, and parts of the
meninges.

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Reminder : Mandibular nerve

§ The buccal nerve innervates the mucosa of the mouth and gums.

§ The auriculotemporal nerve innervates the external auditory meatus and

portions of the external surface of the tympanic membrane.

§ The lingual nerve provides general sensation to the anterior 2/3 of the
tongue.

§ The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular canal through the
mandibular foramen to innervate the lower teeth and gums. Its terminal
branch exits the mental foramen as the mental nerve, innervating the chin
and lower lip.

§ Other several branchial motor nerves

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Tools

§ Dental Syringe

§ Dental Needles

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Tools

§ Local anesthetics cartridges

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Local anesthetic cartridge color codes

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Indications

§ Parenteral local anesthetics are used for infiltration and nerve block
anesthesia.
§ Because of variation in systemic absorption and toxicity, the ideal choice
of local anesthetic and concentration depends on the intended procedure.
– Infiltration anesthesia is often used for minor surgical and dental procedures.
– Nerve block anesthesia is used for surgical, dental, and diagnostic procedures and for pain management

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 nerve block anesthesia
Mandible

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IDB (inferior alveolar block)

§ Technique of choice for mandibular molars; also effective for premolars,

canines, and incisors
§ Aim is to deposit solution around the inferior alveolar nerve as it enters
the mandibular foramen

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IDB (inferior alveolar block)
Technique
§ The patient's mouth must be widely open.
§ Palpate the landmarks of external and internal oblique ridges and note the
line of the ptyerygomandibular raphe.
§ With the palpating thumb lying in the retromolar fossa, the needle should
be inserted at the midpoint of the tip of the thumb slightly above the
occlusal plane lateral to the ptyerygomandibular raphe.
§ The needle is inserted ~0.5 cm and if a lingual nerve block is required 0.5
ml of LA is injected at this point.

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IDB (inferior alveolar block)
Technique
§ The syringe is then moved horizontally across the dorsum of the tongue
and advanced to make contact with the lingula.
§ Once bony contact is made the needle is withdrawn slightly and the
remainder of the LA injected.
§ It should never be necessary to insert the needle up to the hub.
§ Note that the mandibular foramen varies in position with age. In the
edentulous, the foramen, and hence the point of needle insertion, is
relatively higher than in the dentate.

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 Nerve to
mylohyoid
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Additional Block (higher injection)
§ Why : the standard block often fails to anesthetize branches of cranial
nerve V3 that originate proximal to the injection site and provide accessory
innervation to the mandibular teeth. The relatively distal location of the
injection also leads to lack of anesthesia of soft tissues posterior to the
mental foramen. That why a higher injection site technique are proposed
§ Gaw-Gates Technique
§ Akinosi Technique

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Gow-Gates Technique

§ Blocks sensation by depositing LA at head of condyle

§ Landmarks:
– Corner of the mouth (contralateral side)
– Tragus of the ear
– Disto palatal cusp of the maxillary second molar
– AIMING FOR THE NECK OF THE CONDYLE

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Efficacy of the Gow-Gates Technique

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Akinosi Technique

§ LA deposited above lingua

§ Closed-mouth technique
§ Does not rely on a hard-tissue landmark
§ Parallel to occlusal plane, height of the mucogingival junction
§ Advanced until hub is level with distal surface of maxillary second molar
§ Delayed onset of anaesthesia

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 SCENE
5

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no rapid
si •Less effective
•More accepted
by patients
•Pain to Go .
puncture more w
than Akinosi Ga
te
•More Effective s

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Mental nerve block

§ Mental nerve block The mental nerve emerges from the mental foramen
lying apical to and between the first and second mandibular premolars.
§ LA injected in this region will diffuse in through the mental foramen and
provide limited analgesia of premolars and canine, and to a lesser degree
incisors on that side. It will provide effective soft-tissue analgesia.

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Mental nerve block

§ Place the lip on tension and insert the

needle parallel to the long axis of the
premolars angling towards bone, and
deposit the LA.
§ Do not attempt to inject into the mental
foramen as this may traumatize the
nerve.
§ LA can be encouraged in by massage.

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Buccal Nerve Block

§ The buccal nerve is not anesthetized by an inferior alveolar nerve block.

§ This nerve innervates the tissues and periosteum buccal to the molars, so
if these soft tissues are involved in treatment, the buccal nerve should be
injected as well.
§ The additional injection is unnecessary when treating only the teeth.
§ A 25 gauge long needle is recommended

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Buccal Nerve Block
(Continue)

§ The needle is inserted in the mucous membrane distal buccal to the last
molar
§ Insert the needle to 2 to 4 mm to gently contact bone, and aspirate. If
negative, slowly deposit about 1/8 of the solution in the cartridge.

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Sublingual nerve block

§ Sublingual nerve block An anterior extension of the lingual nerve can be

blocked by placing the needle just submucosally lingual to the premolars,
use 0.5 ml of LA.

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 nerve block anesthesia
Maxilla

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Nasopalatine block anaesthesia

§ Nasopalatine block Profound anaesthesia can be achieved by passing the

needle through the incisive papilla and injecting a small amount of
solution.
§ This is extremely painful

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Infra-orbital block

§ Infra-orbital block Rarely indicated.

§ A 25 gauge long needle is recommended and inserted with the bevel
toward the bone in the muco-buccal fold over the first premolar.
§ Palpate the inferior margin of the orbit as the infra-orbital foramen lies ~1
cm below the deepest point of the orbital margin. Hold the index finger at
this point while the upper lip is lifted with the thumb.
§ Inject in the depth of the buccal sulcus towards your finger, avoid your
finger, and deposit LA around the infra-orbital nerve.

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Anterior Middle Superior Alveolar Block

§ If the infraorbital nerve block does not provide adequate anesthesia to the
teeth distal of the canine or if the PSA injection does not provide
anesthesia for the mesiobuccal root of the first molar, an MSA block
injection should be administered.
§ A 25 gauge short needle is recommended with insertion in the
mucobuccal fold by the maxillary second premolar.
§ About 1/2 to 2/3 of a cartridge of anesthetic is slowly deposited at the
height of the apex of the second premolar after negative aspiration

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Anterior Middle Superior Alveolar Block (continue)

§ One injection site - Central to second premolar, palatal and buccal soft
tissue
§ Is used to anesthetize pulp tissue and facial periodontium of the maxillary
premolars and the mesiobuccal root of the first molar in some cases.

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Posterior superior alveolar block
§ The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block is a commonly used
technique for achieving anesthesia for the maxillary molars
§ Posterior superior alveolar block A rarely indicated technique.
§ The short 25 or 27 gauge needle is recommended to decrease the risk of
a hematoma
§ Needle is inserted distal to the upper second molar and advanced
inwards, backwards, and upwards close to bone for ~2 cm.
§ LA is deposited high above the tuberosity after aspirating to avoid the
ptyerygoid plexus

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Greater Palatine Nerve Block
§ The greater palatine nerve innervates the palatal tissues and bone distal
of the canine on the side anesthetized.
§ Use a 27 gauge short needle with the bevel toward the palate.
§ Palpate the palate until the depression of the foramen is felt (usually
somewhere medial to the second molar).
§ Dry the tissue, and apply antiseptic and topical anesthetic for 2 minutes.
Apply pressure with the swab for 30 seconds.
§ Continue pressure with the swab until the injection is completed.

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Greater Palatine Nerve Block
(Continue)

§ Place the bevel against the tissue and apply pressure enough to slightly
bow the needle.
§ Inject a few drops of anesthetic.
§ Release the pressure of the needle and advance the tip of the needle into
the tissue slightly.
§ Continue with this procedure of applying pressure to the bevel and
depositing a few drops of anesthetic, then advancing, until the needle is in
contact with the palatal bone.
§ Deposit less than a fourth to a third of a cartridge of anesthetic after
negative aspiration is proven

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Maxillary Nerve Block
§ The maxillary (V2) nerve innervates half of the maxilla, including the
buccal and palatal aspects.
§ This injection technique is used especially in quadrant surgery or when
extensive treatment is indicated for a single appointment.
§ It is also used when another site of injection has failed or if there is an
infection in the area
§ his technique is used more with adult patients. It is not for the
inexperienced.

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Maxillary Nerve Block
(continue)

§ Administration through the buccal aspect involves the possibility for

hematoma.
§ The long 25 gauge needle is recommended with the bevel of the needle
facing the bone.
§ The needle is inserted at the mucobuccal fold near the distal of the
second molar after the usual protocol of tissue preparation.
§ The path of the needle is similar to that of the PSA nerve block, but is
inserted approximately 30 mm to the pterygopalatine fossa.
§ Aspirate, then rotate the needle bevel 1/4 turn, reaspirate. If both
aspirations are negative, slowly deposit one cartridge of anesthetic
(deposit 1/4 then aspirate, then deposit 1/4 until the entire cartridge has
been administered).

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 local infiltrations

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Infiltrations

§ The aim is to deposit LA supraperiosteally in as close proximity as

possible to the apex of the tooth to be anaesthetized.
§ The LA will diffuse through periosteum and bone to bathe the nerves
entering the apex.
§ Lower concentrations of local anesthetics are typically used for infiltration
anesthesia.
§ Variation in local anesthetic dose depends on the procedure, the degree
of anesthesia required, and the ndividual patient's circumstances.
§ Reduced dosage is indicated in patients who are desbilitated or acutely ill,
very young or very old, and in patients with liver disease, arteriosclerosis,
or arterial disease.

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Infiltrations
Administrative techniques

§ The aim is to deposit LA supraperiosteally in as close proximity as

possible to the apex of the tooth to be anaesthetized.
§ Patient comfort is essential during administration of local anesthetic
agents.
§ Warming the local anesthetic solution prior to administration to 25-40o C
has been recommended.
§ Reflect the lip or cheek to place mucosa on tension and insert the needle
along the long axis of the tooth aiming towards bone.

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Infiltrations
Administrative techniques (Continue)

§ At approximate apex of tooth, withdraw slightly to avoid sub- periosteal

injection, LA is slowly deposited. .

§ For palatal infiltrations, achieve topical analgesia first and infiltrate

interdental papillae; then penetrate palatal mucosa and deposit small
amount of LA under force.

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Infiltration in Mandible

§ Buccal infiltration anaesthesia in the mandible can be effective in some

areas.
§ Indeed in children this may the preferred technique when treating the
deciduous dentition.
§ In adult patients buccal infiltrations may be effective in the mandibular
incisor region.

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 Adjunctive Strategies for Infiltration

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Adjunctive Strategies

§ PDL Injection
§ Sub-periosteal injection
§ Intraosseous Injection
§ Intrapulpal Injection
§ Intraseptal Injection
§ Different anaesthetic

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PDL Injection

§ Technique:
– needle inserted into the gingival sulcus at a 30 degree angle towards the tooth
– bevel placed towards bone
– advanced until resistance felt
– anaestheticinjected with continuous force for about 15 seconds.
– approx. 0.2 mL of solution
– 25 vs. 30 gauge needle

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PDL Injection

§ Conventional vs. specific PDL syringes:

– Malamed (1982):
• similar rates of success
– D’Souza et al (1987):
• no sig. difference in anaesthesia achieved.
• using the pressure syringe resulted in more spread of anaesthetic to adjacent teeth

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PDL Injection: Primary Technique

§ Melamed 1982: 86% overall

§ Faulkner 1983: 81% overall
§ White 1988: variable, short duration esp. md. molars
§ Walton 1990: “In reviewing the clinical and experimental literature…the
periodontal ligament injection does not meet all of the necessary requirements for
a primary technique.”

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PDL Injection: Supplemental Technique

§ Walton and Abbott 1981:

– Inadequate pulpal anaesthesia following IAB
– 92% overall
– included situations where multiple PDL injections required
– most critical factor was to inject under strong resistance

§ Smith, Walton, Abbott 1983:

– 83% overall with high pressure syringe

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PDL Injection: Anaesthetic Distribution

§ Garfunkel et al 1983, Smith and Walton 1983, Tagger et al 1994, Tagger

et al 1994*
– spread along path of least resistance
– influenced by anatomical structures and fascial planes
– through marrow spaces
– avoided PDL route
– appears to be a form of intraosseous injection

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PDL Injection: Effects on the Periodontium

§ Animal histological studies

§ Most studies: no long term evidence of tissue disruption or inflammation
§ Roahen and Marshall 1990: evidence of localized external resorption

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Adjunctive Strategies

§ PDL Injection
§ Sub-periosteal injection
§ Intraosseous Injection
§ Intrapulpal Injection
§ Intraseptal Injection
§ Different anaesthetic

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Sub-periosteal injection

§ Local anesthesia onset is more rapid than normal infiltration

§ Anesthesia Duration is less
§ Other possible negative effects include ischemia and necrosis of the
periosteum tissue.
§ Rarely used
§ An advanced sub-periosteal dental anesthetic method involvs apparatus
for motorized injection of anesthetic liquids

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Adjunctive Strategies

§ PDL Injection
§ Sub-periosteal injection
§ Intraosseous Injection
§ Intrapulpal Injection
§ Intraseptal Injection
§ Different anaesthetic

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Intraosseous Injection

§ Technique for mandibular infiltration

§ Perforate the cortical plate to introduce LA in medullary bone
§ Bathes the periradicular region in LA
§ 2 commercial systems available:
– Stabident (Patterson)
– X-Tip (Tulsa Dentsply)

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Stabident

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Stabident

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Stabident

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Stabident

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X-Tip

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Adjunctive Strategies

§ PDL Injection
§ Sub-periosteal injection
§ Intraosseous Injection
§ Intrapulpal Injection
§ Intraseptal Injection
§ Different anaesthetic

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Intrapulpal Anaesthesia

When a small access cavity is available into the pulp

§ a needle which fits snugly into the pulp should be chosen.
§ A small amount (about 0.1 ml) of solution is injected under pressure.
§ There will be an initial feeling of discomfort during this injection,
§ however this is transient and anesthetic onset is rapid.

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Intrapulpal Anaesthesia

When the exposure is too large to allow a snug needle fit

§ the exposed pulp should be bathed in a little local anaesthetic for about a
minute
§ before introducing the needle as far apically as possible into the pulp
chamber and injecting under pressure.

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Adjunctive Strategies

§ PDL Injection
§ Sub-periosteal injection
§ Intraosseous Injection
§ Intrapulpal Injection
§ Intraseptal Injection
§ Different anaesthetic

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Intraseptal Injection

§ The intraseptal injection is used for hemostasis, soft tissue anesthesia,

and osseous anesthesia.
§ Prepare the tissues of the site with antiseptic and topical.
§ Use a 27 gauge short needle and insert it into the papilla of the area to be
anesthetized at an angle of 90° to the tissue.
§ Slowly deposit 0.2 ml of solution.

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Adjunctive Strategies

§ PDL Injection
§ Sub-periosteal injection
§ Intraosseous Injection
§ Intrapulpal Injection
§ Intraseptal Injection
§ Different anaesthetic

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Articaine

§ What about a mandibular infiltration?

§ Recommended by Steve Buchanan
§ Kanaa et al. 2006
– Cross-over design comparing articaine and lidocaine for mandibular infiltration for first molars
– Anaesthesia measured
– Lidocaine 38% effective
– Articaine 65% effective

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 Adjunctive Strategies

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Topical Anaesthetic

§ Benzocaine or Lidocaine
§ Effectiveness?

– Gill and Orr 1979: 15 second application no more effective than

placebo
– Stern and Giddon 1975: 2-3 minutes=profound soft tissue
anaesthesia

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Topical Anaesthetic

§ Recommendations:
– Dry mucous membranes first
– 2-3 minutes, but concern with tissue sloughing
– Tip of the tongue

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Topical Anaesthetic

§ Benzocaine Spray
§ RCDSO Dispatch 21, 1, Feb/Mar 2007 pp.28-29
– Advice to Dentists
– Benzocaine Sprays and Methemoglobinemia (MHb)
• Health Canada—9 suspected cases, none fatal

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Topical Anaesthetic

§ Benzocaine spray/Methemoglobinemia
§ Recommendations:
– Avoid in patients with a history of MHb
– Consider lidocaine as an alternative
– Broken/inflamed tissue may promote uptake
– Use only amount deemed necessary
– If suspicious, send patient to hospital for methylene blue tx
– O2 won’t help, but give it anyways

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Dr Iyad Abou Rabii
Iyad.abou.rabii@qudent.edu.sa

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