Intraoral Blocks for Facial Anesthesia: A Multimedia Instructional Tool

Abstract

Abstract This is an interactive module created for medical students and residents in emergency medicine, dermatology, and plastic/cosmetic surgery. In the module, the learner may choose one of three intraoral nerve blocks, the infraorbital, mental, or buccal. Each of the three has its own page on which the learner may view a narrated video of the nerve block being given on a patient and on a skull. These videos walk the learner through the proper technique for the injection. In addition, the distribution of the nerve anesthetized is described and the user may scroll over an illustration of the face to light up the area of the face anesthetized by that particular nerve block. This project was designed to provide medical students and residents with learning options regarding the anesthetization of their patients' faces. Intraoral nerve blocks are easy to administer, relatively painless, and are of long duration because the anesthetic solution is deposited very near the nerve exit point from the skull. This may provide more comfortable anesthesia for patients and enhance patient cooperation leading to better clinical outcomes. The aim of this project is to enhance patient care. It provides an easy-to-use educational tool that delivers the basics of administering intraoral blocks to obtain facial anesthesia.

Keywords

• Intraoral
• Anesthesia
• Facial
• Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
• Nerve Block
• Buccal Nerve