title: Efficacy and complications associated with a modified inferior alveolar nerve block technique. A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy and complication rates of two different techniques for inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB).
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, triple-blind clinical trial comprising 109 patients who required lower third molar removal was performed. In the control group, all patients received an IANB using the conventional Halsted technique, whereas in the experimental group, a modified technique using a more inferior injection point was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 100 patients were randomized. The modified technique group showed a significantly higher onset time in the lower lip and chin area, and was frequently associated to a lingual electric discharge sensation. Three failures were recorded, 2 of them in the experimental group. No relevant local or systemic complications were registered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both IANB techniques used in this trial are suitable for lower third molar removal. However, performing an inferior alveolar nerve block in a more inferior position (modified technique) extends the onset time, does not seem to reduce the risk of intravascular injections and might increase the risk of lingual nerve injuries.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry - University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, Facultat d`Odontologia, Cirugía e Implantología Bucal, C/ Feixa Llarga, s/n; Pavelló Govern, 2 planta, Despatx 2.9, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, rui@ruibf.com.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montserrat-Bosch
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nogueira-Magalhães
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arnabat-Dominguez
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Valmaseda-Castellón
authors.forename: Cosme
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gay-Escoda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery*; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D016896:Treatment Outcome