Infraorbital anesthesia is one of the methods of pain relief that is widely used in modern dentistry. Consider the main features of its implementation, as well as the method of administering anesthetic, the possibility of complications and reviews of specialists in the field of dentistry regarding this procedure.
general characteristics
In dentistry, infraorbital anesthesia is often referred to as infraorbital anesthesia. This technique belongs to the group of conduction methods for relieving painful sensations that arise during surgical intervention in the structure of the jaw. Currently, the technique under consideration is widely used in maxillofacial surgery and dentistry.
The main goal of introducing infraorbital anesthesia is to relieve pain by creating some depot of anesthetic at the exit from the infraorbital canal of the nerve, which is responsible for the pain in the middle of the face.
Anesthesia area
Speaking about the area of pain relief with infraorbital anesthesia, it should be noted that it is quite large and covers almost the entire middle part of the face. In this case, the following areas fall under the anesthetic area:
- upper lip
- the vestibular part of the gum located in the upper jaw;
- maxillary sinus mucosa, as well as bone in this area;
- nose wing;
- lateral part of the nose;
- lower eyelid and corner of the eye;
- infraorbital region;
- cheek;
- some teeth (molars and premolars of the upper jaw, canine, lateral incisor).
In the reviews of dentists about the type of anesthesia under consideration, it is often noted that this method of anesthesia does not allow to stop the pain of the second premolar and central incisor. This is due, first of all, to the fact that opposite anastomoses are responsible for the presence of sensations in this part of the face. Experienced specialists in the field of dentistry apply infiltration anesthesia in this situation, introducing it directly into the place of the upcoming intervention.
Indications for use
As with any other procedure, the process of implementing this type of anesthesia has its own indications and contraindications. We will talk further in more detail about the evidence.
Among the factors in the presence of which the introduction of infraorbital analgesia is necessary, include:
- drainage of purulent foci;
- periostitis;
- osteomyelitis;
- implantation;
- an operation to remove a cyst (cystectomy);
- complex tooth extraction;
- removal of neoplasms arising on the jaw;
- treatment of several teeth at the same time or their removal;
- preparation of teeth.
Contraindications
Considering the indications and contraindications for infraorbital anesthesia, it is worth noting some factors in which the use of the considered technique for stopping painful sensations is not recommended.
Dentists' comments about this type of anesthesia say that it will not be the right decision if there is an injury in the maxillofacial part, since in this situation, as a rule, a change in the usual position of tissues is observed.
In addition, the use of such anesthesia is contraindicated in cases:
- conducting an operation, the estimated duration of which is more than 2-3 hours;
- the presence of a fact of mental disorder of the patient;
- individual intolerance to solutions of anesthetics;
- pregnancy
- a recent heart attack;
- the presence of acute diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Benefits of anesthesia
If there is evidence for infraorbital anesthesia, it is highly recommended. In their reviews, left to this procedure, many dentists note that the method of analgesia under consideration has a number of advantages, among which it is worth highlighting:
- the possibility of implementation even in the presence of ulcers;
- high duration of action of the anesthetic (about 2-3 hours);
- power of exposure (even with the introduction of a small portion of anesthetic, a powerful and lasting effect occurs);
- the ability to block pain on a significant part of the face.
Complications
It should be noted that with a large number of positive qualities that the type of anesthesia under consideration possesses, it has one significant minus, which consists in the fact that after its introduction certain complications may arise.
The list of possible complications from infraorbital anesthesia include:
- hematoma formation at the injection site;
- damage to the eyeball with a syringe needle;
- blocking the muscles of the eye;
- the discovery of bleeding;
- the formation of edema of the lower eyelid;
- double vision (diplopia);
- ischemia in the treated area in the region below the orbit (decreased blood circulation);
- the presence of post-traumatic neuritis.
In order to avoid complications, it is worth trusting that the procedure under consideration is carried out only by a highly qualified specialist in the field of maxillary surgery. Also, before conducting the process of administering anesthesia, an aspiration test is recommended.
Introduction technique
In dentistry, infraorbital anesthesia is administered using two methods: external and intraoral.
In the first case, the dentist must determine the area of location of the soft tissues, after which they must be pressed to the jawbone to prevent their further displacement, as a result of which the eyeball can be injured. Next, you should step back 5 mm from the selected point and insert the syringe needle with the anesthetic, guiding it in the process up, back and out, until it hits the periosteum. As soon as this happens, release 0.5-1 ml of the product. Next, you should find the channel and introduce the remainder of the anesthetic into it, dropping the needle by 7-10 mm.
In the event that intraoral anesthesia is performed, then first of all it is necessary to press the soft tissues of the jaw to the bone, and then pull the lip to them. Next, you need to inject a syringe needle with a 5 mm tool, making an introduction between the first premolar and canine. After this, the needle should move outwards, above the transitional fold, making slight movements up and back to the infraorbital nerve. After this, the operation must be completed by repeating the same manipulations as in the case of the introduction of this type of anesthesia by the external method.
After the correct procedure, the expected effect occurs within 3-5 minutes.
Related Pain Relief Techniques
In the reviews of dentists, it is often said that the type of anesthesia under consideration can be replaced with another if necessary. Conducting and infiltration anesthesia can serve as analogues.
As for infiltration pain relief, it is carried out by introducing an anesthetic using a fine game into the place of direct surgical intervention (as a rule, into the projection of the apex of the root of the tooth in relation to which treatment will be performed). The effect of such anesthesia lasts no more than two hours.
Speaking of conduction anesthesia, it must be said that its main difference is in the place of administration of painkillers. This is done at a certain distance from the diseased tooth, in the place where the nerve responsible for the transmission of pain symptoms is located.
In both the first and second cases, the anesthetic is administered perineurally, i.e. its direct release occurs in the area of the nerve trunk.