The Significance of Needle Deflection in Success of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Irreversible Pulpitis

Do NSAIDs used prior to standard inferior alveolar nerve blocks improve the analgesia of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis? An umbrella review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present umbrella review was to answer the following question: "Does the use of NSAIDs as premedication increase the efficacy of the standard inferior alveolar nerve block on teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis?"

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic reviews with and without meta-analyses that evaluated the influence of premedication on anesthetic efficacy of the inferior alveolar nerve in symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of mandibular molars were searched in six electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Grey Literature Reports), without the restriction of language or year of publication. A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

RESULTS

Twelve systematic reviews were included. Only one did not perform a meta-analysis. The AMSTAR 2 overall confidence ranged from very low to high. In general, the main findings of the systematic reviews were that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, oxicam, diclofenac, association of ibuprofen with acetaminophen, and ketorolac) increased the success rate of the inferior alveolar nerve block.

CONCLUSIONS

From the "very low" to "high"-quality evidence available, this umbrella review concluded that NSAIDs as premedication acts through cyclooxygenase pathways and block the synthesis of specific prostaglandins that complicate the mechanism of action of the anesthesia, improving its success rate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the success rate of the anesthetic technique of inferior alveolar nerve block efficacy in situations of mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Anesthetic efficacy of supplemental buccal infiltration versus intraligamentary injection in mandibular first and second molars with irreversible pulpitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Background

To compare the anesthetic efficacy of supplemental buccal infiltration (BI) (1.7 ml) versus intraligamentary (IL) injection containing 0.4 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100.000 epinephrine after an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with 1.7 ml 2% lidocaine in the first and second mandibular molars diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis (IP).

Methods

One hundred subjects diagnosed with IP of either the mandibular first (n = 50) or second molars (n = 50) and failed profound anesthesia following an IANB were selected. They randomly received either the IL or BI techniques of anesthesia. Pain scores on a 170 mm Heft-Parker visual analog scale were recorded initially, before, and during supplemental injections. Furthermore, pulse rate was measured before and after each supplemental injection. During the access cavity preparation and initial filing, no or mild pain was assumed to indicate anesthetic success. The chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and independent samples t-test were used for the analyses.

Results

The overall success rates were 80% in the IL group and 74% in the BI group, with no significant difference (P = 0.63). In the first molars, there was no significant difference between the two techniques (P = 0.088). In the second molars, IL injection resulted in a significantly higher success rate (P = 0.017) than BI. IL injection was statistically more successful (P = 0.034) in the second molars (92%) than in the first molars (68%). However, BI was significantly more successful (P = 0.047) in the first molars (88%) than in the second molars (64%). The mean pulse rate increase was significantly higher in the IL group than in the BI group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Both the IL and BI techniques were advantageous when used as supplemental injections. However, more favorable outcomes were observed when the second molars received IL injection and the first molars received BI.

A Prospective Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Intra-Ligamentary Anesthetic Solutions in Mandibular Molars Diagnosed as Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis

Accomplishing painless endodontic treatment, especially in the mandibular molar region, is challenging. Hence, the aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine when used as supplemental intra-ligamentary (IL) anesthesia in mandibular molars having symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis after failed Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) injection. In this prospective study, one-hundred and forty-seven adult patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth were included who received IANB with 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Patients who experienced pain were recorded using the Heft–Parker visual analog scale (HP-VAS score ≥ 55 mm) and received supplement intra-ligament injection with either4% articaine or 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Supplementary intra-ligament injections resulted in 82.6% and 91.3% of profound anesthesia in the first molar region for 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine, respectively. Similarly, an additional IL injection of articaine success percent (78.9%) in the second molar region was higher than lidocaine (63.1%). The overall success ratio revealed no significant difference in achieving profound anesthesia of either solution. In this study population, there was no difference in the success ratio of anesthesia between 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine when used as supplemental IL injection.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of two pulpal medicaments on pain and bleeding status of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis post-failure of inferior alveolar nerve block: a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial

Background

Complete relief of pain due to irreversible pulpitis is challenging to obtain with analgesic medications. The high incidence of an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) failure makes it difficult for practitioners to perform endodontic treatment without implementing other anesthetic techniques, especially mandibular molars. The aim of this study was to compare efficacies of two different quantities of paraformaldehyde based pulpal medicaments to relieve the pain and control hyperemic pulp post-failure of IANB and supplementary technique in patients experiencing this symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in the permanent mandibular tooth.

Method

Eighty-two participants with severe pain pre-operatively (Heft Parker Visual Analogue Scale, VAS > 114 mm) were enrolled, and pain responses were recorded at different time intervals using the Heft Parker visual analogue scale. To the patients experiencing pain even after the administration of the standard IANB and supplemental intraligamentary injection, one of the two paraformaldehyde based pulpal medicaments was placed in the pulp chamber and sealed. Participants were recalled after 24-48 h (second visit) to assess pain and bleeding reduction.

Results

Results showed a significant decrease in pain severity and bleeding score post medicament placement (p < .05). Hence judicious use within a recommended period, pulpal medicaments can be considered safe.

Conclusion

Paraformaldehyde based pulpal medicament can be used as an alternative to manage pain in patients having severe irreversible pulpitis and hyperalgesia.

Effect of pre-operative medication with paracetamol and ketorolac on the success of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of local anesthesia decreases in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Therefore, it was proposed that the use of premedication with an anti-inflammatory drug might increase the success rate of pulpal anesthesia in mandibular posterior teeth with vital inflamed pulp.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-four patients who were actively experiencing pain willingly participated in this study. The Heft Parker (HP) visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record the initial pain intensity. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a placebo, 10 mg of ketorolac, and 650 mg of paracetamol. The standard inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) was administered to all patients using 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline after one hour of medication. After 15 min, the patient was instructed to rate the discomfort during each step of the treatment procedure, such as access to remaining dentin, access to the pulp chamber, and during canal instrumentation on the HP VAS. IANB was considered successful if the patient reported no or mild pain during access preparation and instrumentation. Moderate or severe pain was classified as a failure of IANB and another method of anesthesia was used before continuing the treatment.

RESULTS

The rate of successful anesthesia in the placebo, paracetamol, and ketorolac groups was 29%, 33%, and 43%, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative administration of paracetamol or ketorolac did not significantly affect the success rate of IANB in patients with irreversible pulpitis. No significant difference was observed between the paracetamol and ketorolac groups.

Effectiveness of different anesthetic methods for mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of anesthetic methods for mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, comparing to the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) by meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies were identified from Cochrane Library, Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to May 2021. Randomized clinical trials comparing the anesthetic success rate of IANB and any other alternative anesthetic method were included. The quality of the selected studies was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Meta-analyses using Mantel-Haenszel method and random-effect models were performed to find the pooled estimates of risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were selected, which included fourteen anesthetic methods. Two studies were classified as high risk of bias, five as uncertain risk and fifteen as low risk. Vazirani-Akinosi nerve block (VANB) [RR = 1.27; p = 0.007; 95% CI, 1.07-1.52; I² = 0%] and intraosseous injection (IOI) [RR = 1.48; p = 0.04; 95% CI, 1.02-2.15; I² = 46%] had superior effectiveness compared to IANB, with low certainty of evidence, as well as buccal infiltrations associated with IANB (BI + IANB) [RR = 1.84; p = 0.004; 95% CI, 1.22-2.79; I² = 52%], with very low certainty.

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that buccal infiltrations associated with IANB, VANB, and IOI are more effective than IANB at anesthetizing posterior mandibular teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Alternative primary methods of anesthesia might be indicated for mandibular posterior teeth presenting symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Stumbling block for inferior alveolar nerve block in predoctoral students: An analytical observational study and review of literature of mandibular nerve block techniques

Introduction:

Dentists earnestly try to practice painless treatment. Conventional inferior alveolar nerve block technique is preferred by most of the dentists despite its various modifications.However its failure rate as per literature is quite high. Inexperienced dentists face difficulty in obtaining effective anesthesia. This may be due to limited access to inferior alveolar nerve,greater density of alveolar bone,bulky soft tissues,damage to nerve or due to risk of intravascular injection.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to review and clinically assess the factors causing difficulty or failure of inferior alveolar nerve block in predoctoral students and to review the mandibular nervve blocks.

Material and methods:

Dental interns of riyadh elm university were monitored during administration of inferior alveolar nerve block for difficulty factors influencing inferior alveolar nerve block. Onset of anesthesia, efficacy anesthesia of inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve and long buccal nerve were ascertained. Difficulty index was used to assess the “item difficulty” with a score of 0.0 which indicates that none of the dental interns anesthetised correctly to 1.0 suggesting all the dental interns anesthetised correctly.

Results:

Complete failure of inferior alveolar nerve block was noticed in 2.4% of predoctoral students. The most common cause for inferior alveolar nerve block failure was attributed to the difficulty in palpating the landmarks (77%), 22% of the patients refused multiple needle penetrations,and 19% of inferior alveolar nerve block failure was due to the fear of potential complications by the predoctoral students.

Conclusion:

Clinical skill of predoctoral students need adequate training in nerve blocks. Revising the current literature on alternative inferior alveolar nerve block techniques or use of evidence based dentistry to update and practice alternative nerve block techniques would aid in improving the clinical skills and treatment outcome which would therefore enable to remove the stumbling blocks in successful anesthesia.

Evaluating Combined Effect of Oral Premedication with Ibuprofen and Dexamethasone on Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Mandibular Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

The success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block decreases exorbitantly in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the combined effect of oral premedication with ibuprofen and dexamethasone on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

Ninety-four adult patients actively experiencing pain and diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis willingly participated in this study. Preoperative pain was recorded on the Heft-Parker visual analog scale. Patients were randomly allocated to 4 different groups and received placebo, 0.5 mg dexamethasone, 800 mg ibuprofen, or a combination of 0.5 mg dexamethasone and 800 mg ibuprofen. One hour after oral premedication, all patients received standard inferior alveolar nerve block containing 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline. Access cavity preparation was initiated 15 minutes after the administration of anesthesia. Pain scores were recorded on VAS after anesthesia, at dentin penetration to pulp chamber opening, and on file placement. Success was defined as no or mild pain (0-54 mm) throughout the procedure.

RESULTS

The chi-square test was used for qualitative data comparison. The 1-way analysis of variance test and post hoc Bonferroni test showed a statistically significant difference between the combination of 0.5 mg dexamethasone and 800 mg ibuprofen group and the other 3 groups (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative administration of a combination of dexamethasone and ibuprofen improved the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Do length and gauge of dental needle affect success in performing an inferior alveolar nerve block during extraction of adult mandibular molars? A prospective, randomized observer-blind, clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Association between length and gauge of dental needle and success rate and pain perception during an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) has not been investigated using a randomized clinical trial (RCT). This RCT aimed to compare the success rate of IANB and perceived pain using 27- or 30-gauge needles for the extraction of adult mandibular molars.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A prospective RCT was conducted on two hundred and twelve adult patients requiring extraction of mandibular molars using standard methods as described by Malamed with 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline. One hundred six patients received IANB using 27-gauge needles (32 mm × 0.2 mm) and one hundred six patients received IANB using 30-gauge needles (25 mm × 0.15 mm). Predictor variables were 27-gauge and short and 30-gauge. Outcome variables were the success rate of IANB and pain perception during injection using a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

There was a highly significantly increase in the success of IANB using 27-gauge needle (95.28%) versus 30-gauge needle (41.51%) (P = 0.001). There was a significant increase in pain perception for patients who received IANB by shorter and thinner needle (30-gauge) when compared to the long and thicker needle (27-gauge).

CONCLUSION

This RCT demonstrated that 27-gauge needle seems to be associated with a higher success rate of IANB and lower pain perception during injection when compared to 30-gauge needle in the extraction of adult mandibular molars when compared to 30-gauge needles.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

For adult patients, when thickness of soft tissue to be penetrated is essential to achieve bony contact, long or large gauge dental needle is preferred to get a higher success rate of IANB with less pain perception during injection.

Anesthetic Efficacy of Gow-Gates, Vazirani-Akinosi, and Mental Incisive Nerve Blocks for Treatment of Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review compared the anesthetic efficacy between Gow-Gates (GG), Vazirani-Akinosi (VA), and mental incisive (MI) nerve blocks (NBs) with inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) in mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis using meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA).

METHODS

Studies were identified from 4 electronic databases up to June 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the anesthetic success rate of GG, VA, and MI NBs with IANBs in mandibular premolars and molars with irreversible pulpitis were included. The quality of selected RCTs was appraised using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random-effects meta-analyses of risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and random errors were evaluated by TSA. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Five RCTs were included; 2 of them were classified as low risk of bias. No significant difference was observed in the anesthesia success rate compared between GG and IA NBs (RR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.82-1.48; I² = 0%). Similarly, no difference was evident between MINB and IANB (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.36; I² = 0%). Overall, the cumulative success rates for the 3 anesthetic techniques were low. TSA showed a lack of firm evidence for the results of the meta-analysis between GG NB and IANB. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach evaluation showed that the evidence was of moderate quality for GG NB and IANB compared with low quality for MI and IA NBs. Because only 1 study was available comparing VA NB and IANB, a meta-analysis was not performed. The adverse effect associated with MI NB was swelling, whereas it was prolonged numbness for IANB.

CONCLUSIONS

GG NB and IANB showed similar anesthetic efficacy compared with IANB in mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis. However, the success rates for each technique indicate the need for supplemental anesthesia. Further well-designed RCTs evaluating different anesthetic techniques with and without supplemental injection are required to provide stronger evidence.

Comparative evaluation of anesthetic efficacy of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of articaine in irreversible pulpitis of the mandibular molar: A randomized clinical trial

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of two volumes of articaine in conventional inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis, and in cases of anesthetic failure, its complementation with periodontal ligament injection (PDL).

Methods

Ninety patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars received conventional IANB with 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. In cases of IANB failure, the same volumes were administered in the PDL. Presence of pulpal anesthesia and absence/presence of pain during pulpectomy were evaluated by electric pulp stimulation and verbal analogue scale, respectively. Relative risks (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for each outcome.

Results

27% and 42% of the patients achieved pulpal anesthesia following IANB with 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL, respectively (RR = 0.63, CI 95% 0.35 to 1.14, p = 0.12). Analgesia during pulpectomy was present in 64% and 73% of the patients, respectively, for 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL (RR = 0.87, CI 95% 0.66 to 1.16, p = 0.36). In cases of IANB failure, 75% and 42% of the patients that received 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL of PDL injection, respectively, achieved pulpal anesthesia (RR = 1.80, CI 95% 0.87 to 3.72, p = 0.11). During a new attempt at the pulpectomy procedure, analgesia was present in 69% and 75% of the patients, respectively, for 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL (RR = 0.91, CI 95% 0.57 to 1.45, p = 0.71).

Conclusion

Increasing the volume from 1.8 mL to 3.6 mL of the 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in the IANB and in the PDL, did not significantly increase the success rate of pulpal anesthesia and clinical analgesia during the pulpectomy procedure. Therefore, both volumes presented a similar efficacy, though neither resulted in effective pain control during irreversible pulpitis treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02422823.

Evaluation of bevelled needle tip deformation with Dental Inferior Alveolar Nerve blocks

The study aimed to investigate whether any correlation existed between bevel orientation and needle tip deformation following the administration of a standard inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique during patient treatment. Ninety-three needles of a single brand were collected from a group of eleven similarly trained Australian dentists' following either single or dual insertion and bone contact. Specimens were examined under scanning electron microscopy at 500x, and both the direction of deformation (either towards or away from lumen) and the extent of deformation were calculated using image processing software. Results showed no correlation between bevel orientation and either the direction (P = 0.8787) or degree (P = 0.0752) of deformation. Significance was demonstrated, regardless of bevel orientation, following multiple needle use with respect to extent of needle tip deformation (P < 0.0001). A clinical recommendation can be made that the dental needle should be routinely replaced when subsequent injections are required during the delivery of a typical IANB.

Effect of intraosseous injection versus inferior alveolar nerve block as primary pulpal anaesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to assess the success rate, effect on blood pressure, and pain of intraosseous injection (IO) and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for pulpal anaesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis as the primary anaesthetic technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized clinical trial (IRCT2013022712634N1) was conducted on 60 patients between 18 and 65 years suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group one received IO while group two received IANB with 3% mepivacaine. After anaesthetic injection, success rate of pulpal anaesthesia was assessed by pulp testing in the two groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients were compared before and after the anaesthetic injections. Level of pain during injection was scored using a visual analogue scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, t-test and chi square test at p = .05 level of significance.

RESULTS

Success rate of IO (56.7%) was significantly higher than that of IANB (23.3%) (p = .008). There was no significant difference in pain during anaesthetic injection (p = .304) or change in systolic (p = .80) and diastolic (p = .28) blood pressures following injection between the two techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

IO had a higher success rate than IANB for pulpal anaesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Neither technique provided profound pulpal anaesthesia.

Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug as an Oral Premedication on the Anesthetic Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Treatment of Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Successful anesthesia with an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is imperative for treating patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular teeth. This systematic review assessed the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as oral premedications on the success of IANBs in irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

Three databases were searched to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until September 2017. Retrieved RCTs were evaluated using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The primary efficacy outcome of interest was the success rate of IANB anesthesia. Meta-analytic estimates (risk ratio [RR] with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) performed using a random effects model and publication bias determined using funnel plot analysis were assessed. Random errors were evaluated with trial sequential analyses, and the quality of evidence was appraised using a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs (N = 1034) were included. Eight studies had low risk of bias. Statistical analysis of good-quality RCTs showed a significant beneficial effect of any NSAID in increasing the anesthetic success of IANBs compared with placebo (RR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.55-2.38). Subgroup analyses showed a similar beneficial effect for ibuprofen, diclofenac, and ketorolac (RR = 1.83 [95% CI, 1.43-2.35], RR = 2.56 [95% CI, 1.46-4.50], and RR = 2.07 [95% CI, 1.47-2.90], respectively). Dose-dependent ibuprofen >400 mg/d (RR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.39-2.45) was shown to be effective; however, ibuprofen ≤400 mg/d showed no association (RR = 1.78; 95% CI, 0.90-3.55). TSA confirmed conclusive evidence for a beneficial effect of NSAIDs for IANB premedication. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach did not reveal any concerns regarding the quality of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral premedication with NSAIDs and ibuprofen (>400 mg/d) increased the anesthetic success of IANBs in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Effect of oral premedication on the anaesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis - A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review (SR; PROSPERO database: CRD42017075160) and network meta-analysis (NMA) identified the most effective oral premedication for anaesthetic success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in cases of irreversible pulpitis. Medline and Ebscohost databases were searched up until 10/2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) studying the effect of oral premedication, alone or in combination, on the success of IANB for cases of irreversible pulpitis, compared to placebo or other oral premedications, were included. Quality of the included studies was appraised by the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Pairwise analysis, NMA and quality of evidence assessment using GRADE criteria were performed. Nineteen studies (n = 1654 participants) were included. NMA demonstrated that compared to placebo, dexamethasone was most effective in increasing anaesthetic success (RR, 2.92 [95% CI 1.74,4.91]; SUCRA = 0.96), followed by NSAIDs (RR, 1.92 [95% CI 1.63,2.27], SUCRA = 0.738) and Tramadol (RR, 2.03 [95% CI 1.18,3.49], SUCRA = 0.737). Premedication with acetaminophen added to NSAIDs demonstrated similar efficacy as NSAIDs alone (RR, 1.06 [95% CI 0.79,1.43]). Sensitivity analyses proved the superiority of dexamethasone or NSAIDs over any other premedications. Subgroup analyses of specific dosages in comparison with placebo demonstrated that dexamethasone 0.5 mg was most effective, followed by ketorolac 10 mg, piroxicam 20 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg + acetaminophen 500 mg and Tramadol 50 mg. Ibuprofen 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg had a significantly improved IANB success, while Ibuprofen 300 mg had no effect. Oral premedication with dexamethasone, NSAIDs or Tramadol significantly increased anaesthetic success. More trials are needed to evaluate the premedication effects of dexamethasone or Tramadol for improved anaesthetic success of IANB when treating irreversible pulpitis.

Effective anaesthesia of the acutely inflamed pulp: part 2. Clinical strategies

Achieving profound pulpal anaesthesia in a mandibular molar diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis can be argued to be the most testing of dental anaesthetic challenges. Following discussion on the possible reasons for this occurrence in part 1, part 2 outlines the various local anaesthetic techniques that practitioners can use to overcome the acutely inflamed mandibular molar. They should then be able to apply these same principles to help anaesthetise any other tooth presenting with an acutely inflamed pulp. Techniques are discussed in detail along with key variables that have been associated with having an impact on the anaesthetic efficacy. This is to bring to light factors that can aid anaesthetic success as well as dispel common misnomers.

Effect of Oral Premedication on the Efficacy of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

It is generally accepted that achieving complete anaesthesia with an Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is more challenging than for other teeth. Therefore, administration of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) 1 hour prior to anaesthetic administration has been proposed as a means to increase the efficacy of the IANB in such patients.

AIM

The purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to determine the effect of administration of oral premedication with ketorolac (KETO) and diclofenac potassium (DP) on the efficacy of IANB in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fifty patients with irreversible pulpitis were evaluated preoperatively for pain using Heft Parker visual analogue scale, after which they were randomly divided into three groups. The subjects received identical tablets of ketorolac, diclofenac pottasium or cellulose powder (placebo), 1 hour prior to administration of IANB with 2% lidocaine containing 1:200 000 epinephrine. Lip numbness as well as positive and negative responses to cold test were ascertained. Additionally pain score of each patient was recorded during cavity preparation and root canal instrumentation. Success was defined as the absence of pain or mild pain based on the visual analog scale readings. The data was analysed using One-Way Anova, Post-Hoc Tukey pair wise, Paired T - Test and chi-square test. Trial Registery Number is 4722/2015 for this clinical trial study.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences with respect to age (p =0.098), gender (p = 0.801) and pre-VAS score (DP-KETO p=0.645, PLAC-KETO p =0.964, PLAC-DP p = 0.801) between the three groups. All patients had subjective lip anaesthesia with the IAN blocks. Patients of all the three groups reported a significant decrease in active pain after local anaesthesia (p< 0.05). The post injection VAS Score was least in group 1 (KETO) followed by group II (DP) & maximum in group III (PLACEBO).

CONCLUSION

Oral pre-medication with 10 mg KETO resulted in significantly higher percentage of successful inferior alveolar block in patients with irreversible pulpitis than pre-medication with 50 mg DP & PLAC.

Anesthetic efficacy of meperidine in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

Achieving adequate pulpal anesthesia in mandibular teeth is always a challenge. Supplementary injections and using drugs in combination are some methods implemented to overcome this hurdle. In this randomized clinical trial, use of meperidine in conjunction with lidocaine in intraligamentary injection did not exhibit significant improvement in anesthesia.

Anesthetic success of supplemental infiltration in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis: A systematic review

Aim:

To systematically review the anesthetic success rates of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injection technique alone with that of combination of IANB and supplemental infiltration (SI) technique when used for pulpal anesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with irreversible pulpitis during endodontic treatment.

Settings and Design:

The study follows a longitudinal study design involving original research.

Materials and Methods:

Electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled clinical studies. Studies were selected by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Statistical Analysis Used and Result:

The statistical analysis used was based on the results of the original research. All the included studies showed that there is the difference in the values comparing the two techniques, but the data are not statistically significantly different.

Conclusion:

Based on this review, the better anesthetic efficacy of the SI was observed.

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline in patients with irreversible pulpitis: An in vivo study

Introduction:

Pain management remains the utmost important qualifying criteria in minimizing patient agony and establishing a strong dentist–patient rapport. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a painful condition necessitating immediate attention and supplemental anesthetic techniques are often resorted to in addition to conventional inferior alveolar nerve block.

Aim:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, in mandibular posterior teeth, using 4% Articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline as local anesthetic, when the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block proved ineffective.

Materials and Methods:

X-tip system was used to administer 1.7 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline in 30 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of mandibular posterior teeth with moderate to severe pain on endodontic access after administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block.

Results:

The results of the study showed that 25 X-tip injections (83.33%) were successful and 5 X-tip injections (16.66%) were unsuccessful.

Conclusion:

When the inferior alveolar nerve block fails to provide adequate pulpal anesthesia, X-tip system using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was successful in achieving pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Efficacy of articaine versus lidocaine as a supplemental buccal infiltration in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

INTRODUCTION

Profound pulpal anesthesia in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis (IP) is often difficult to obtain and often requires supplemental injections after an ineffective inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare the efficacy of 4% articaine with 2% lidocaine for supplemental buccal infiltrations (BIs) after an ineffective IANB in mandibular molars with IP. In addition, the use of articaine for IANB and intraosseous injections was investigated.

METHODS

One hundred emergency patients diagnosed with IP of a mandibular molar were selected and received an IANB with 4% articaine. All injections were 1.7 mL with 1:100,000 epinephrine. All patients reported profound lip numbness after IANB. Patients with ineffective IANB (positive pulpal response to cold or pain on access) randomly received 4% articaine or 2% lidocaine as a supplemental BI. Endodontic access was initiated 5 minutes after deposition of the infiltration solution. Success was defined as no pain or no more than mild pain during endodontic access and instrumentation as measured on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients failed to achieve pulpal anesthesia after IANB with 4% articaine, resulting in IANB success rate of 26%. Success rates for supplemental BIs were 62% for articaine and 37% for lidocaine (P < .05). This effect was most pronounced in second molars (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Supplemental BI with articaine was significantly more effective than lidocaine. The IANB success rate of 4% articaine confirmed published data.

X-tip intraosseous injection system as a primary anesthesia for irreversible pulpitis of posterior mandibular teeth: A randomized clinical trail

Background:

Successful anesthesia during root canal therapy may be difficult to obtain. Intraosseous injection significantly improves anesthesia's success as a supplemental pulpal anesthesia, particularly in cases of irreversible pulpitis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection and inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block in primary anesthesia for mandibular posterior teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

Materials and Methods:

Forty emergency patients with an irreversible pulpitis of mandibular posterior teeth were randomly assigned to receive either intraosseous injection using the X-tip intraosseous injection system or IAN block as the primary injection method for pulpal anesthesia. Pulpal anesthesia was evaluated using an electric pulp tester and endo ice at 5-min intervals for 15 min. Anesthesia's success or failure rates were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 12 statistical software. Success or failure rates were compared using a Fisher's exact test, and the time duration for the onset of anesthesia was compared using Mann–Whitney U test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Intraosseous injection system resulted in successful anesthesia in 17 out of 20 patients (85%). Successful anesthesia was achieved with the IAN block in 14 out of 20 patients (70%). However, the difference (15%) was not statistically significant (P = 0.2).

Conclusion:

Considering the relatively expensive armamentarium, probability of penetrator separation, temporary tachycardia, and possibility of damage to root during drilling, the authors do not suggest intraosseous injection as a suitable primary technique.

Anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection using 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in patients with irreversible pulpitis after inferior alveolar nerve block: A clinical study

Introduction:

The inferior alveolar nerve block (IAN) is the most frequently used mandibular injection technique for achieving local anesthesia in endodontics. Supplemental injections are essential to overcome failure of IAN block in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Aim:

To evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection (2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine) in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth when conventional IAN block failed.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty emergency patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular posterior tooth received an IAN block and experienced moderate to severe pain on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. The X-tip system was used to administer 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. The success of X-tip intraosseous injection was defined as none or mild pain (Heft-Parker visual analogue scale ratings < 54 mm) on endodontic access or initial instrumentation.

Results:

Ninety-three percent of X-tip injections were successful and 7% were unsuccessful. Discomfort rating for X-tip perforation: 96.66% patients reported none or mild pain, whereas 3.34% reported moderate to severe pain. For discomfort rating during solution deposition, 74.99% patients reported none or mild pain and 24.92% reported moderate to severe pain. Ninety-six percent of the patients had subjective/objective increase in heart rate.

Conclusions:

Supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection using 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine has a statistically significant influence in achieving pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Effect of preoperative medications on the efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis: A placebo-controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to compare the effect of the administration of preoperative ibuprofen, ketorolac, combination of etodolac with paracetamol and combination of aceclofenac with paracetamol versus placebo for the potential increased effectiveness of the inferior alveolar nerve block [IANB] anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 endodontic emergency patients in moderate to severe pain diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth randomly received, in a double-blind manner, either a drug or placebo 30 minutes before the administration of a conventional IANB. Cold testing was done before administration of anesthesia to determine level of pain using Heft-Parker Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. Success was defined as no pain or pain (VAS) on access or initial instrumentation.

RESULTS

Overall success was 54% for all the groups. Success was highest (70%) for the ketorolac group, 55% for both ibuprofen group and combination of aceclofenac with paracetamol group, 50% for combination of etodolac with paracetamol group, and 40% for the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, the use of preoperative medication did improve the anesthetic efficacy of IANB for the treatment of teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis but not significantly.

Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of and heart rate changes after periodontal ligament or intraosseous X-Tip injection in mandibular molars: a randomized controlled clinical trial

AIM

To compare the efficacy of supplemental anaesthesia using periodontal ligament injections (PDL) and intraosseous injections with the X-Tip system in terms of the measured heart rate and patient reported pain level.

METHODOLOGY

In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 40 patients (22 women, 18 men) with irreversible pulpitis who had experienced unsuccessful pain management by inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine and 1 : 100 000 epinephrine were selected. Patients were divided equally and randomly into two groups. Supplementary anaesthesia was provided through intraosseous injection with the X-Tip system (X-Tip group) or by PDL injection (PDL group). After each step of injection, pain severity was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Patient heart rate was recorded with a pulse oximeter. Data were coded and analysed using Mann-Whitney U-test with SPSS (version 16) software.

RESULTS

Anaesthetic success was obtained in 100% of X-Tip and 70% of PDL group patients after the first supplemental injection. Compared with the first PDL injection, the first intraosseous injection resulted in a significant increase in heart rate (P = 0.001); however, this increase was short-lived (mean increase: 9-10 beats per min). No significant difference in heart rate or anaesthesia success was observed between men and women.

CONCLUSION

Intraosseous injection using the X-Tip system was more effective than PDL injection as a supplementary anaesthetic for pulpectomy in mandibular molars or second premolars. However, the former resulted in a transient increase in heart rate.

Anesthetic efficacy of combinations of 0.5 mol/L mannitol and lidocaine with epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of these 2 prospective, randomized, single-blind studies was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of lidocaine with epinephrine compared with a combination lidocaine with epinephrine plus 0.5 mol/L mannitol for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) blocks in patients experiencing symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

In study one, 55 emergency patients randomly received IAN blocks by using a 3.18-mL formulation containing 63.6 mg of lidocaine with 31.8 μg epinephrine or a 5-mL formulation containing 63.6 mg of lidocaine with 31.8 μg epinephrine (3.18 mL) plus 1.82 mL of 0.5 mol/L mannitol. In study two, 51 emergency patients randomly received IAN blocks by using a 1.9-mL formulation containing 76.4 mg of lidocaine with 36 μg epinephrine or a 3-mL formulation containing 76.4 mg of lidocaine with 36 μg epinephrine (1.9 mL) plus 1.1 mL of 0.5 mol/L mannitol. Endodontic access was begun 15 minutes after the IAN block, and all patients had profound lip numbness. Success was defined as no or mild pain (visual analogue scale recordings) on endodontic access or instrumentation.

RESULTS

The 1.9 mL of lidocaine (76.4 mg) with epinephrine plus 0.5 mol/L mannitol had a significantly (P = .04) better success rate of 39% when compared with the lidocaine formulation without mannitol (13% success rate).

CONCLUSIONS

For mandibular posterior teeth in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, the addition of 0.5 mol/L mannitol to 1.9 mL of lidocaine (76.4 mg) with epinephrine resulted in a statistically higher success rate. However, the combination lidocaine/mannitol formulation would not result in predictable pulpal anesthesia.

Comparison of the anesthetic efficacy between bupivacaine and lidocaine in patients with irreversible pulpitis of mandibular molar

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine with that of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine during pulpectomy in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth.

METHODS

Seventy volunteers, patients with irreversible pulpitis admitted to the Emergency Center of the School of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo, randomly received a conventional inferior alveolar nerve block containing 3.6 mL of either 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. During the subsequent pulpectomy, we recorded the patients' subjective assessments of lip anesthesia, the absence/presence of pulpal anesthesia through electric pulp stimulation, and the absence/presence of pain through a verbal analog scale.

RESULTS

All patients reported lip anesthesia after the application of either inferior alveolar nerve block. By measuring pulpal anesthesia success with the pulp tester, lidocaine had a higher success rate (42.9%) than bupivacaine (20%). For patients reporting none or mild pain during pulpectomy, the success rate of bupivacaine was 80% and lidocaine was 62.9%. There were only statistically significant differences to the success of pulpal anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither of the solutions resulted in an effective pain control during irreversible pulpitis treatments of mandibular molars.

The anesthetic efficacy of diphenhydramine and the combination diphenhydramine/lidocaine for the inferior alveolar nerve block

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the degree of pulpal anesthesia obtained in vital, asymptomatic teeth using 1.8 mL of 1% diphenhydramine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, and 3.6 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine combined with 1% diphenhydramine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks. We also studied injection and postinjection pain. An electric pulp tester was used to test for anesthesia, in 4-minute cycles for 60 minutes, of the second molars through the central incisor. Anesthesia was considered successful when two consecutive 80 readings were obtained within 15 minutes and the 80 reading was continuously sustained through the 60th minute. Using the lidocaine solution, successful pulpal anesthesia ranged from 12% to 84%. For the combined lidocaine/diphenhydramine solution, successful pulpal anesthesia ranged from 4% to 60%. The diphenhydramine solution was irritating on injection and postinjection and resulted in a very low level of anesthetic success. We concluded that a 1% diphenhydramine solution should be used cautiously for the inferior alveolar nerve block. The combination lidocaine/diphenhydramine solution was irritating postinjection and was not as effective as a lidocaine solution for pulpal anesthesia.