Operators experience and the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of operator's experience on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block [IANB] anesthesia. Three hundred patients whose ages ranged from 15 to 80 years received IANB from 6 different operators working in different specialities. A 27gauge long needle was used. The anesthetics in all cases were 4% articaine. Self-aspirating syringes were used in all cases. The classic [IANB] technique was used. Overall, 562 [93.6%] of local anaesthetic administrations were successful. The percentage success rate for the operator in each specialist can be seen in Table 3. Failed local anaesthesia is a feature of dental practice. Reasons for failure are described in introduction section of this article