Anesthetic efficacy of mental/incisive nerve block compared to inferior alveolar nerve block using 4% articaine in mandibular premolars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial
Original Article
First Online: 07 June 2018
Abstract
Objectives
The
 aim of this study was to compare the onset, success rate, injection 
pain, and post-injection pain of mental/incisive nerve block (MINB) with
 that of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) using 4% articaine in 
mandibular premolars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The 
accuracy of electrical pulp test (EPT) in determining pulpal anesthesia 
was also examined.
Materials and methods
The
 study was designed as a randomized clinical trial with two study 
arms—MINB and IANB. Injections were performed using a standardized 
technique. Root canal treatment was initiated 10 min after the 
injection. Success was defined as no pain or mild pain during access 
cavity preparation and instrumentation. Injection pain and 
post-injection pain (up to 7 days) were recorded. All pain ratings were 
done using Heft-Parker Visual Analog Scale (HP VAS).
Results
Sixty-four
 patients were enrolled. The success rate of MINB (93.8%) was higher 
than IANB (81.2%) but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The onset of anesthesia with MINB was significantly quicker, and injection pain was significantly less (p < 0.05), but post-injection pain was significantly higher during the first 4 days (p < 0.001). The accuracy of EPT in determining pulpal anesthesia was 96.88%.
Conclusions
MINB
 and IANB with 4% articaine had similar efficacy in anesthetizing 
mandibular premolars with irreversible pulpitis. Post-injection pain 
with MINB was higher than with IANB.
Clinical relevance
MINB and IANB with 4% articaine can be used interchangeably to anesthetize mandibular premolars with irreversible pulpitis.
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