ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the efficacy of 3.6ml versus 1.8ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Study Design: Randomized control trial

Place and Duration of Study:Conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Dr. IshratulEbad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS-DUHS) Karachi 1st January to 30th October, 2020.

Materials and Methods: Patients with irreversible pulpitis and normal periodontium associated with mandibular molars were included in this study. A standard IANB with a side-load cartridge was administered according to the assigned group.Group A received 3.6ml where as patients in Group B received 1.8ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine for IANB. Patients were asked to rate their pain using an analogue visual scale (VAS) before and during the endodontic therapy. Anesthesia was considered as a success when patient felt no or mild discomfort during the endodontic procedure. Anesthetic failure was considered when patient complaint of moderate or severe pain.

Results: The success rate of 3.6ml and 1.8ml of 4% articaine 1:100,000 epinephrine for IANB was found to be 92% and 72% respectively. This association was found to be statistically significant (p-value 0.000).

Conclusion: 3.6 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine was found to be more effective as compared to 1.8ml of same solution. Better pain control and comfort was observed when greater volume of articaine was administered for IANB.

Keywords: Root canal treatment, Inferior alveolar nerve block, anesthesia, irreversible pulpitis