Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
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The inferior alveolar nerve block is the most common type of nerve block used for dental procedures. Knowledge of mouth and inferior alveolar nerve anatomy is required to perform the procedure.
See the image shown below.
The mandibular nerve exits at the base of the skull through the foramen ovale.
The first branch from the main trunk is the nervous spinosus, which runs superiorly through the foramen spinosum to supply the meninges.
The second branch is the first motor nerve, which supplies the medial pterygoid muscle. Inferior to that branch, the mandibular nerve splits into an anterior trunk (both sensory and motor) and a posterior trunk.
The motor component supplies the masseter, temporal, and lateral pterygoid muscles.
The posterior trunk radiates from the auriculotemporal nerve that gives sensory perception to the side of the head and scalp and sends twigs to the external auditory meatus, the tympanic membrane, and the temporomandibular joint. The posterior trunk then almost immediately divides into the lingual nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve.
The sensory trunk is the long buccal nerve that supplies the buccal soft tissue distal to the first molar.
The lingual nerve supplies the anterior two thirds of the tongue and the lingual surface of the mandibular gingiva.
The mandibular nerve sends a branch to the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle and then enters the mandibular canal. The mandibular nerve furnishes sensation to the following areas:
Mandible
Buccal gingiva anterior to the first molar
Lower lip and the pulps of all the mandibular teeth in that quadrant
The inferior alveolar nerve is the larger branch of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve. The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular foramen in the ramus of the mandible (see the image below) to occupy the inferior alveolar canal in the body of the mandible.
When the inferior alveolar nerve approaches the apex of the second bicuspid, it divides into two terminal branches, the mental and the incisive.
A nerve block of the intraoral mandibular or inferior alveolar nerve anesthetizes the following:
The body of the mandible and the lower portion of the ramus
All mandibular teeth
The floor of the mouth
The anterior two thirds of the tongue
Gingivae on the lingual surface of the mandible
Gingivae on the labial surface of the mandible
Mucosa and skin of the lower lip and chin
Understanding the underlying anatomy of the pterygomandibular space helps increase the effectiveness of inferior alveolar nerve blocks. [1]
An inferior alveolar nerve block is required to work in the following areas of the mouth:
Mandibular teeth to the midline
The anterior two thirds of the tongue
The floor of the oral cavity
Absolute contraindication (Epinephrine)
Pheochromocytoma
Hyperthyroidism
Hypertension
Severe peripheral vascular occlusive disease
Cervical botulinum toxin injection: When given with an inferior alveolar mandibular type nerve block, this has resulted in severe dysphagia. [2]
Relative contraindication
Various types and quantities of local anesthetic agents have been suggested for an inferior alveolar nerve block.
Monheim in 1961 [3] suggested 1.5-2 mL of solution. Prescribing information for articaine (Septocaine) recommends up to 3.4 mL for a nerve block, [4] although Lemay in 1984 [5] suggested 3.6 mL. Prescribing information for lidocaine suggests up to 5 mL of lidocaine 2%, [6] whereas Gaum recommends a minimum of 3.6 mL of lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 concentration of epinephrine for inferior alveolar block anesthesia. [7] Administering less may prove to be ineffective in many cases.
Generally, for temporary relief of pain prior to obtaining definitive dental care, the preferred agent is 0.5% bupivacaine (Marcaine, Sensorcaine) with 1:200,000 epinephrine. This provides 1-3 hours of dental pulp analgesia and 4-9 hours of soft tissue analgesia. Epinephrine prolongs duration of action through vasoconstriction at the injection site, which decreases systemic absorption.
Concentrations: Drug concentration is expressed as a percentage (eg, bupivacaine 0.5%, lidocaine 1%).
Percentage is measured in grams per 100 mL (ie, 1% is 1 g/100 mL [1000 mg/100 mL], or 10 mg/mL)
Calculate the mg/mL concentration quickly from the percentage by moving the decimal point 1 place to the right, as follows:
Bupivacaine 0.5% = 5 mg/mL
Lidocaine 2% = 20 mg/mL
Dilutions: When epinephrine is combined in an anesthetic solution, the result is expressed as a dilution (eg, 1:100,000).
1:100,000 means 1 mg per 100 mL (ie, 0.001%)
1:200,000 means 1 mg per 200 mL (ie, 0.0005%)
Table. Epinephrine Content Examples (Open Table in a new window)
Solution Volume
1:100,000
(1 mg/100 mL)
1:200,000
(1 mg/200 mL)
1 mL
0.01 mg
0.005 mg
5 mL
0.05 mg
0.025 mg
Articaine 4% (Septocaine) with epinephrine 1:100,000 is suitable for dental procedures in the mandible subsequent to anesthesia with inferior alveolar nerve block. [8]
Adult total dose ranges for submucosal injection
Infiltrative administration: 0.5-2.5 mL (20-100 mg)
Nerve block: 0.5-3.4 mL (20-136 mg)
Oral surgery: 1-5.1 mL (40-204 mg)
Not to exceed 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg)
Decrease dose in pediatric patients (>4 y), elderly patients, or those with hepatic impairment; use in children younger than 4 y not recommended
Bupivacaine 0.5% (Sensorcaine)
Maxillary and mandibular area for oral surgery
Adult total dose range is 1.8 mL to a maximum of 18 mL (9-90 mg)
Not to exceed 18 mL (90 mg) per dental sitting
Reduce dose in pediatric or elderly patients, those with cardiac disease, those who are debilitated, or those with hepatic impairment
Lidocaine 2% (Xylocaine) with epinephrine 1:100,000 (or 1:50,000 when greater depth and hemostasis are required)
Maxillary and mandibular area for oral surgery
Adult total dose range for submucosal injection: 1-5 mL (20-100 mg)
Children younger than 10 years: 0.9-1 mL (18-20 mg)
Maximum dose for adult and pediatric patients
Not to exceed 7 mg/kg (with epinephrine)
Not to exceed 4.5 mg/kg (without epinephrine)
Mepivacaine 2-3% (Carbocaine, Polocaine)
Also available with epinephrine 1:200,000 or levonordefrin 1:20,000; each prolongs duration of action
Dental infiltration or nerve block
Adult dose range
2% with levonordefrin: 1.8 mL (36 mg)
Not to exceed 3 mg/kg or 400 mg in adults
3%: 1.8 mL (54 mg)
Not to exceed 3 mg/kg or 400 mg in adults
Pediatric dose: Not to exceed 9 mL (ie, 180 mg as the 2% solution or 270 mg as the 3% solution)
Prilocaine 4% (Citanest)
Adult dose range: 1-2 mL (40-80 mg)
Not to exceed 8 mg/kg or 600 mg within a 2-hour period
Not to exceed 1 mL (40 mg) in children younger than 10 years
A single prospective blinded comparison of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis found that increasing the volume of 2% lidocaine from 1.8 mL to 3.6 mL improved the success rate but was not 100% successful. [9]
See the list below:
Standard dental equipment should be present.
The examination table or chair can be adjusted to accommodate the patient’s height.
An overhead light of sufficient intensity should be present.
Sterile thumb-control syringe
Topical anesthetic (in the form of pastes or gels)
2% lidocaine with epinephrine or 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine
Cotton-tipped applicators to administer topical anesthetic and control bleeding
Ultrasonographic visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve using a new 8- to 15-MHz transducer that is shaped like a hockey stick may allow for improved ultrasound-directed inferior alveolar nerve block injections. [10]
Small-gauge (ga) needles (The longer the needle, the easier the inferior alveolar nerve block is to accomplish.)
1 5/8 inch, 23 ga
1 3/8 inch, 25 ga; some recommend 1 1/8 inch, 27 ga needle
1 3/8 inch, 25 ga (probably the most popular choice of needle)
Patients should be placed in a dental chair in upright slightly back ~ (90 to 100º) position. The head should be tilted back.
The patient should open his or her mouth as much as they comfortably can and instructed to keep mouth open during the procedure to prevent needle deviation from the site.
The technique is as follows, based on the description of Powell: [11]
Apply topical (gel or liquid) anesthetic to the target area, which is the mucosa lateral to the pterygomandibular raphe but medial to the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and about 6–10 mm above the occlusal plane of the maxillary teeth.
Place the thumb of the nondominant hand on the coronoid notch and the index finger just anterior to the ear to stretch the tissues over the injection site, maximizing visibility and minimizing the pain of the injection as depicted below.
Instruct the patient to open their mouth as much as they comfortably can and to drop the tongue to the floor of the mouth or back of throat for optimal view to the site of injection, minimizing risk of obstruction or resistance and movement from the tongue during insertion and administration.
Orient the syringe so that the barrel is in the opposite corner of the mouth, resting on the premolars.
With the anterior ramus technique, use the middle finger and thumb to determine the width of the ramus in its anterior-posterior dimension. Anatomically, the mandibular foramen lies in the middle of the ramus in this dimension. The average width of the ramus, including the thickness of the soft tissue in the coronoid notch, is approximately 35 mm, which is also the length of the needle. [7]
Aim toward the index finger and slowly penetrate the mucosa until bone is contacted.
Bone is usually contacted within about 2.5 cm.
If the attempt does not result in contact with bone, reorient the syringe more laterally and repeat attempt.
Withdraw slightly and aspirate.
Gently rotate needle as withdraw and then re-aspirate; if no blood is returned, inject 1.5–2 mL of anesthetic.
If aspiration is positive, pull back about 5–10 mm and redirect slightly, then repeat attempt at aspiration.
If the injection fails to result in adequate analgesia, it may safely be repeated according to the type of anesthetic used.
Patients may report mild jaw muscle soreness for 1–3 days following this injection.
See the list below:
Anatomic landmarks are important to note.
Previous medical and dental history and phobias should be reviewed and appropriately addressed to allow for comfortable experience.
Understanding and palpating landmarks is critical in a successful attempt.
In asymptomatic patients with mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis, premedication with dexamethasone increased the successful percentage of cases involving inferior alveolar nerve block, whereas premedication with ibuprofen did not. [12]
In a double-blind study, 69 patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis were anesthetized either with a combination of inferior alveolar nerve block, buccal infiltration, and intraligamentary injection or with inferior alveolar nerve block injection in the first molar teeth. The triple treatment was significantly preferred by patients (22% vs 58%) [13]
Using the inferior alveolar nerve after retromolar bone harvesting to achieve bone augmentation justifies stellate ganglion block as a treatment modality for neurosensory disturbances happening after retromolar bone grafts. [14]
Buffering with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate, the 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine did not enhance success of the inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with mandibular molars with symptomatic pulpitis that can not be reversed. [15]
In one study, the computed inferior alveolar nerve block anesthetic technique showed lower mean pain perception, but did not show statistically significantly differences when compared to the conventional technique. [16]
Once the treatment is complete, postoperative instructions should include no eating or drinking until numbness has resolved.
Gentle facial muscle massage can promote and encourage earlier regain and manifestation of sensation.
See the list below:
A failure rate of 7–20% is seen, even in experienced hands.
With an unsuccessful attempt, the patient may experience pain with little or reduced therapeutic benefit.
Inadequate anesthesia may also result from the formation of a blood clot due to the traumatized, lacerated, and bleeding vessel. The blood from the formation of a hematoma may dilute the local anesthetic solution. This may weaken the anesthetic effects.
Inadequate or limited anesthesia has been reported in the presence of existing abcess or active infection. Addtional anesthesia may be needed using different techniques.
Fracture of a dental needle while performing an inferior alveolar nerve block has been reported. [18]
Trismus and sensory deficit following resolution of trismus have been reported in 2 patients as delayed complications of inferior alveolar nerve block. [19]
Medial pterygoid trismus i.e. myospasm occurring after inferior alveolar nerve block has occurred. [20]
Khoury J, Mihailidis S, Ghabriel M, Townsend G. Applied anatomy of the pterygomandibular space: improving the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Aust Dent J. Jun 2011. 56:112-21. [Medline].
Shahidi G, Poorsattar Bejeh Mir A, Khatib Shahidi R, Balmeh P. Severe Dysphagia after inferior alveolar nerve block preceded by cervical botolinum toxin injection: a case report. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2013 Jul. 15(7):608-10. [Medline].
Monheim, L. Local Anesthesia and Pain Control in Dental Practice. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier, Inc.; 1961.
Articaine (Septocaine) [package insert]. Septodont. May 2006.
Lemay H, Albert G, Hélie P, Dufour L, Gagnon P, Payant L, et al. [Ultracaine in conventional operative dentistry]. J Can Dent Assoc. 1984 Sep. 50(9):703-8. [Medline].
Lidocaine (Lignospan) [package insert]. Septodont. Accessed: July 30, 2008.
Gaum LI, Moon AC. The “ART” mandibular nerve block: a new approach to accomplishing regional anesthesia. J Can Dent Assoc. 1997 Jun. 63(6):454-9. [Medline].
Kammerer PW, Palarie V, Daublander M, et al. Comparison of 4% articaine with epinephrine (1:100,000) and without epinephrine in inferior alveolar block for tooth extraction: double-blind randomized clinical trial of anesthetic efficacy. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Apr. 113:495-9. [Medline].
Aggarwal V, Singla M, Miglani S, Kohli S, Singh S. Comparative Evaluation of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of 2% Lidocaine with 1:200,000 Epinephrine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized Single-blind Study. J Endod. June 2012. 38:753. [Medline].
Chanpong B, Tang R, Sawka A, Krebs C, Vaghadia H. Real-time ultrasonographic visualization for guided inferior alveolar nerve injection. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2013 Feb. 115:272-6. [Medline].
Powell SL, Robertson L, Doty BJ. Dental nerve blocks. Toothache remedies for the acute-care setting. Postgrad Med. 2000 Jan. 107(1):229-30, 233-4, 239-40 passim. [Medline].
Shahi S, Mokhtari H, Rahimi S, Yavari HR, Narimani S, Abdolrahimi M, et al. Effect of premedication with Ibuprofen and dexamethasone on success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block for teeth with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2013 Feb. 39:160-2. [Medline].
Parirokh M, Sadr S, Nakhaee N, Abbott PV, Askarifard S. Efficacy of supplementary buccal infiltrations and intra-ligamentary injections to inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular first molars with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomised controlled trial. Int Endod J. 2013 Dec 21. [Medline].
Nogami S, Yamauchi K, Shiiba S, Kataoka Y, Hirayama B, Takahashi T. Evaluation of the Treatment Modalities for Neurosensory Disturbances of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Following Retromolar Bone Harvesting for Bone Augmentation. Pain Med. 2014 Dec 22. [Medline].
Saatchi M, Khademi A, Baghaei B, Noormohammadi H. Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate-buffered Lidocaine on the Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized Double-blind Study. J Endod. 2015 Jan. 41(1):33-5. [Medline].
Araújo GM, Barbalho JC, Dias TG, Santos Tde S, Vasconcellos RJ, Morais HH. Comparative Analysis Between Computed and Conventional Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Techniques. J Craniofac Surg. 2015 Nov. 26(8):e733-6. [Medline].
Aggarwal V, Singla M, Subbiya A, Vivekanandhan P, Sharma V, Sharma R, et al. The amount of preoperative pain can affect the anesthetic success rates of IANB in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Effect of Preoperative Pain on Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block. Anesth Prog. 2015 Winter. 62(4):135-139. [Medline].
Shah A, Mehta N, Von Arx DP. Fracture of a dental needle during administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block. Dent Update. 2009 Jan-Feb. 1:20-2, 25. [Medline].
Smyth J, Marley J. An unusual delayed complication of inferior alveolar nerve block. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2009 Mar. [Medline].
Wright EF. Medial pterygoid trismus (myospasm) following inferior alveolar nerve block:Case report and literature review. Gen Dent. 2011 Jan-Feb. 1:64-7. [Medline].
Aggarwal V, Jain A, Kabi D. Anesthetic efficacy of supplemental buccal and lingual infiltrations of articaine and lidocaine after an inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis. J Endod. 2009 Jul. 7:925-9. [Medline].
Local Anesthetics. McEvoy GK. AHFS Drug Information 2006. Bethesda: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc; 2006.
Aminabadi NA, Farahani RM. The effect of pre-cooling the injection site on pediatric pain perception during the administration of local anesthesia. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2009 May. 3:43-50. [Medline].
Aminabadi NA, Farahani RM, Oskouei SG. Site-specificity of pain sensitivity to intraoral anesthetic injections in children. J Oral Sci. 2009 Jun. 2:239-43. [Medline].
Choi EH, Seo JY, Jung BY, Park W. Diplopia after inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia: report of 2 cases and literature review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2009 Jun. 6:e21-4. [Medline].
Gow-Gates GA. Mandibular conduction anesthesia: a new technique using extraoral landmarks. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1973 Sep. 36(3):321-8. [Medline].
Malamed S. What’s new in local anaesthesia. SAAD Dig. 2009 Jan. 25:4-14. [Medline].
Ngeow WC, Chai WL. Numbness of the ear following inferior alveolar nerve block: the forgotten complication. Br Dent J. 2009 Jul. 1:19-21. [Medline].
Wiener RC, Crout RJ, Sandell J, Howard B, Ouassa L, Wearden S, et al. Local anesthetic syringe ergonomics and student preferences. J Dent Educ. 2009 Apr. 4:518-22. [Medline].
Solution Volume
1:100,000
(1 mg/100 mL)
1:200,000
(1 mg/200 mL)
1 mL
0.01 mg
0.005 mg
5 mL
0.05 mg
0.025 mg
Claudia C Cotca, DDS, MPH Founder, Dental Director, Aesthetic and General Dentist, Washington Institute for Dentistry and Laser Surgery
Claudia C Cotca, DDS, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Science, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Association for Women Dentists, American Dental Association, American Diabetes Association, American Equilibration Society, American Red Cross, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Student Dental Association, Arthritis Foundation, District of Columbia Dental Society, Facial Pain Association, FDI World Dental Federation, Global Health Council, International College of Prosthodontists, Michigan Dental Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Association of Women Business Owners
Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Washington Institute For Dentistry & Laser Surgery, C3 Think Tank<br/>Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Washington Institute For Dentistry & Laser Surgery, Lightscalpel, AMD Lasers<br/>Have a 5% or greater equity interest in: Washington Institute For Dentistry & Laser Surgery, C3 Think Tank<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Washington Institute For Dentistry & Laser Surgery, C3 Think Tank. AMD Lasers, Lightscalpel, .
Noah S Scheinfeld, JD, MD, FAAD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Weil Cornell Medical College; Consulting Staff, Department of Dermatology, St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary; Assistant Attending Dermatologist, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Assistant Attending Dermatologist, Lenox Hill Hospital, North Shore-LIJ Health System; Private Practice
Noah S Scheinfeld, JD, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Abbvie<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Optigenex<br/>Received salary from Optigenex for employment.
Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Meda Raghavendra (Raghu), MD Associate Professor, Interventional Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology, Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center
Meda Raghavendra (Raghu), MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Luis M Lovato, MD Associate Clinical Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine; Director of Critical Care, Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
Luis M Lovato, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Emergency Physicians, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
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