Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Apr 2021)
Risks posed by bilateral inferior alveolar nerve block: Myth or reality?
Abstract
Background: Thanks to scientific advances and the widespread availability of information, knowledge and clinical guidelines are being constantly reviewed. Some beliefs previously well entrenched are now outdated, but nevertheless remain deeply anchored. In the era of evidence-based medicine, we decided to examine one of these myths: the risks posed by bilateral inferior alveolar nerve block (BIANB) anaesthesia. Material and methods: An electronic survey containing nine questions was circulated to a large group of dental and maxillofacial surgeons practicing in Belgium. The questions concerned both their own practice and their views on this method. A review of the literature was also carried out. Results: 742 participants answered the questionnaire. Of those who responded, 42% considered that this technique of local anaesthetic should be avoided. Half of those participants composing this 42% believed that this type of anaesthesia exposed patients to serious health risks. No report of any complications was found in the literature. Conclusion: Despite widespread apprehensions about bilateral inferior alveolar nerve block, the absence of scientific evidence concerning the complications of BIANB, supported by considerable clinical experience in the use of this loco-regional anaesthesia, shows that BIANB is a safe method and one that improves the quality of life of patients.
