Anterior and middle superior alveolar block is efficient for maxillary premolar teeth extractions regardless of the injection system or anesthetic with adrenaline used

Abstract

Introduction The anterior and middle superior alveolar nerve block was claimed to be unpredictably efficient for clinical application.

Objective The aim of this report was to establish the efficacy of the anterior and middle superior alveolar nerve block, applied with a computer-controlled injection system or a conventional syringe, for upper premolars extraction.

Methods Sixty healthy adults were divided into two groups regarding the device used as follows: the first group was injected by a computer-controlled injection system, and the second group by a conventional syringe. Pain ratings were obtained via a visual analog scale (VAS) and a verbal rating scale (VRS).

Results Anterior and middle superior alveolar injection enabled a painless extraction in all patients, regardless of the local anesthetic or injection system used. It was slightly less painful when administered by a computer-controlled injection system, but insignificantly when evaluated by VRS.

Conclusion The anterior and middle superior alveolar nerve block may be recommended if maxillary permanent premolars have to be extracted.

Keywords: nerve block; hard palate; analogue pain scale; tooth extraction