This lecture is designed for anyone who wishes to expand their understanding of the delivery techniques of local anesthesia and to solve some of the difficulties that arise in obtaining profound anesthesia in the oral cavity. A review of the anatomical landmarks and structures important to effective and safe delivery of local anesthesia forms the foundation for this presentation. A wide range of both maxillary and mandibular block and infiltration techniques will be emphasized, including discussion of the Gow-Gates and Vazirani-Akinosi mandibular division nerve block techniques, and techniques for recognizing and anesthetizing accessory nerve pathways will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the anatomy and landmarks commonly used for a variety of local anesthesia block and infiltration injections of the mandible and maxilla.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each of the possible techniques that could be used in any given situation.
Contrast the appropriate uses of mandibular and maxillary quadrant anesthesia techniques.
Understand a rational protocol for troubleshooting and solving difficulties in achieving profound local anesthesia.
Discuss the best secondary injection techniques and agents to anesthetize infected teeth.
Describe methods to decrease the risk of injection-related complications, such as hematoma or paresthesia.