Many options are available when choosing the most appropriate injectable local anesthetic for dental patients.

While many oral health professionals prefer this technique, the evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing pain response is limited.

Fluid pressure and tissue type play important roles in the success of this pain management approach.

The use of the infraorbital, anterior middle superior alveolar, and maxillary nerve blocks provide safety and efficiency benefits during the administration of local anesthesia.

Even though dental hygienists have been successfully administering local anesthesia for more than 40 years, consensus on national education standards and utilization guidelines has yet to be achieved.

The use of sedation and general anesthesia may make the treatment of children who cannot tolerate dental care possible.

Preventing and controlling pain are integral to ensuring successful dental appointments among this patient population.

Tips for Administering the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Providing sufficient pain control to patients is critical to dental hygiene care.

When administering anesthesia to patients with anatomical variations, the Gow-Gates and Vazirani-Akinosi mandibular blocks may provide the best opportunity for successful pain control.

Clinicians should be well versed in the appropriate methodology, equipment, and drug selection when administering local anesthesia to children.