Block  Techniqe  

Video - Introduction      




 

Inferior Alveolar (Mandibular) Nerve Block

The most common approach to mandibular anesthesia is the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block injection. The STA Wand™ handpiece enables the operator to concentrate on accurate needle     placement and provides unprecedented control and tactile feel during this injection. The rotational insertion technique described earlier reduces needle deflection and missed blocks and facilitates more rapid onset of anesthesia.

 

The aspiration mode should be enabled prior to initiating the injection. Topical anesthetic can be applied to the intended injection site. However, it may not be required to achieve a comfortable penetration. ControlFlo™ is initiated prior to needle penetration of the mucosa. Rotate the STA Wand™ handpiece slightly at the commencement of the injection to reduce pressure required for needle penetration.  Advance the needle slowly using a continuous rotation technique to reduce needle deflection to the intended target site. Initiate aspiration by releasing the foot control. If positive, reposition the needle and resume the slow flow rate and repeat aspiration. If aspiration is negative either RapidFlo™ or TurboFlo™ rates can be initiated. For buccal anesthesia of the soft tissue and periosteum of the mandibular molars, administer a long buccal nerve block. Other mandibular injections can be performed in a similar manner (Mental, Incisive, Gow Gates, Vazirani-Akinosi and Long Buccal.)

 
Review of Traditional Inferior Alveolar (Mandibular) Block Technique:

            1.         Perform an aspiration pretest (as described earlier).

            2.         Initiate the ControlFlo™ (first foot control position) flow rate.

            3.         Penetrate the mucosa with a slow, gentle advancement of the needle to                                         create an “anesthetic pathway”.

            4.         Slight needle rotation at the moment of mucosa puncture facilitates                                                penetration.

            5.         Use needle rotation technique during entire insertion to reduce needle                                             deflection.

            6.         When the needle reaches the target site, aspiration is initiated                                                          (release foot control).

            7.         If blood is observed in handpiece tubing, reposition and repeat aspiration

            8.         When aspiration is negative, initiate the RapidFlo™ (second foot control                                         position) flow rate.

            9.         Monitor the LED panel to determine the volume of anesthetic delivered

10.       When the cartridge is emptied (indicated by audio and visual signals), reload, purge and continue as required.

 

All traditional injections in the maxilla and the mandible are performed following the steps outlined above. When not required, the aspiration mode can be disabled by briefly depressing the aspirate mode button. Light will turn off.