Bilateral versus unilateral mandibular block anesthesia in a pediatric population.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective study aimed to evaluate unilateral versus bilateral mandibular nerve block anesthesia with regard to post-operative soft tissue trauma and other complications in a pediatric population.


METHODS
A total of 320 patients age 2 to 18 years were appointed for routine operative treatment. There were no age, gender, behavior, or general health exclusions. Oral and written post-operative instructions were given to parents, as well as a survey preview. A phone survey was conducted after treatment to determine a number of variables, including soft tissue trauma.


RESULTS
A total of 13% of all patients experienced post-operative soft tissue trauma. By age group, trauma frequency was 18% (< 4 yrs.), 16% (4-7 yrs.), 13% (8-11 yrs.) and 7% (> 12 yrs.). Comparing unilateral versus bilateral subjects as to trauma revealed that in the < 4 age group trauma was higher for the unilateral subjects (35% vs. 5%, P < .02). Non-significant trends showed increased trauma in unilateral groups at ages 8-11 and > 12 years.


CONCLUSIONS
This study represents the first documentation of post-anesthetic soft tissue trauma prevalence in a pediatric population. The results reveal no contraindication to the use of bilateral mandibular block anesthesia.
College
C
C
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Michigan, USA. ccollege@worldnet.att.net
Feigal
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R
Wandera
A
A
Strange
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D015994:Incidence; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve; D008619:Mepivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009055:Mouth / Q000293:injuries*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000293:injuries; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D013060:Speech / Q000187:drug effects; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine; D008619:Mepivacaine