• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 2014

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block is the most frequently used mandibular injection technique for achieving local anesthesia for restorative and surgical procedures. However, The IAN block does not always result in successful anesthesia, especially pulpal anesthesia. Lidocaine is used as a "standard" local anesthetic for the inferior alveolar nerve. Articaine recently joined Korean market as a form of dental cartridge. It has an advantage of superior diffusion through bony tissue. A variety of trial was performed to improve the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block. In this review, the recent update related with inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia will be discussed on the anatomical consideration, anesthetic agent, technique, and complications.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.679-700
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• 1996

Inferior alveolar nerve dysfunction may be the result of trauma, disease, or iatrogenic injury. Inferior alveolar nerve injury is inherent risk in endodontic therapy, orthognathic surgery of the mandible, and extraction of mandibular teeth, particularly the third molars. The sensory disturbances of inferior alveolar nerve associated with such injury have been well documented clinical problem that is commonly evaluated by several clinical sensory test including Tinels sign, Von Frey test(static light touch detection), directional discrimination, two-point discrimination, pin pressure nociceptive discrimination, and thermal test. These methods used to detect and assess inferior alveolar nerve injury have been subjective in nature, relying on the cooperation of the patients. In addition, many of these techniques are sensitive to differences in the examiners experience and skill with the particular technique. Data obtained at different times or by different examiners are therefore difficult to compare. Prior experimental studies have used electro diagnostic methods(sensory evoked potential) to objectively evaluate inferior alveolar nerve after nerve injury. This study was designed with inferior alveolar nerve of rabbit. Several types of injury including mind, moderate, severe compression and perforation with 19 gauze, 21 gauze needle and 6mm, 10mm traction were applied for taking the sesory evoked ppterntial. Latency and amplitude of injury rabbit inferior alveolar nerve were investigated with sensory evoked potential using unpaired t-test. The results were as follows : 1. Intensity of threshold (T1) was $128{\pm}16{\mu}A$ : latency, $0.87{\pm}0.07$ microsecond : amplitude, $0.4{\pm}0.1{\mu}V$ : conduction velocity, 23.3 m/s in sensory evoked potential of uninjured rabbit inferior alveolar nerve. 2. Rabbit inferior alveolar nerve consists of type II and III sensory nerve fiber. 3. Latency was increased and amplitude was decreased in compression injury. The more injured, the more changed in latency and amplitude. 4. Findings in perforation injury was similar to compression injury. Waveform for sensory evoked potential improved by increasing postinjured time. 5. Increasing latency was prominent in traction injury rabbit inferior alveolar nerve. 6. In microscopic histopathological findings, significant degeneration and disorganization of the internal architecture were seen in nerve facicle of severe compression and 10mm traction group. From the above findings, electrophysiological assessment(sensory evoked potential) of rabbit injured inferior alveolar nerve is reliable technique in diagnosis and prognosis of nerve injury.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2002

When bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy or mandibular angle reduction are carried out, we have to consider the position of inferior alveolar nerve. For bone splitting or resection using a saw or an osteotome, the bucco-lingual position of the inferior alveolar nerve plays an important role in the preventing perioperative complications such as paresthesia or anesthesia. Because it is rare to find literatures concerning the mean anatomic position of the inferior alveolar nerve in Koreans, we investigated 30 patients who underwent to take CT and orthopantomogram for implant surgery, and evaluated the bucco-lingual position and vertical relationship of the inferior alveolar nerve at the mandible. The results showed that the distance between inferior alveolar nerve and buccal plate was the farthest at mandibular second molar ($7.1{\sim}7.4mm$) and the nearest at mandibular angle area ($4.4{\sim}4.8mm$). But it was no statistical relationship between the bucco-lingual postion of inferior alveolar nerve on the CT and its vertical position on the OPT. In conclusion, the results suggest that a careful surgical procedure is needed at the mandibular angle area to avoid a nerve damage and there are sufficient bone materials at the mandibular second molar are for bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy or mandibular angle reduction or plate fixation. And OPT is not usefull for the evaluation of a relative bucco-lingual position of inferior alveolar nerve in relation to its vertical postion on the OPT.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.93-96
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• 2015

Although inferior alveolar nerve block is one of the most common procedures performed at dental clinics, complications or adverse effects can still occur. On rare occasions, ocular disturbances, such as diplopia, blurred vision, amaurosis, mydriasis, abnormal pupillary light reflex, retrobulbar pain, miosis, and enophthalmos, have also been reported after maxillary and mandibular anesthesia. Generally, these symptoms are temporary but they can be rather distressing to both patients and dental practitioners. Herein, we describe a case of diplopia caused by routine inferior alveolar nerve anesthesia, its related physiology, and management.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.350-355
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• 1999

Purpose : The purpose of this study was 1) to find nerve damage after inferior alveolar nerve transposition and 2) to examine whether the soft tissue or bone changes around the nerve produce the compression to the nerve in the healing period. Materials and Method : Inferior alveolar nerve was exposed through the bony window and the scratch was made in the bone to be thought as the inferior alveolar canal. Suture was made after the nerve was repositioned. The nerve and surrounding tissues were examined with the light microscope and the fluorescent microscope before surgery and at 1 month, 3 months, and 5 months after surgery. Results : After surgery, the epineurium was damaged and the nerve was divided to several fascicles covered with the perineurium The newly formed fibrous connective tissue and vessels were seen around fascicles. There was new bone formation. However the nerve was not compressed by the connective tissue or the new bone. Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that neurosensory disturbances after inferior alveolar nerve transposition are resulted by the direct trauma in surgery rather than the compression to the nerve by the scar or new bone formation in the healing period.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.173-178
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• 2021

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is usually caused by stretching or crushing of the neurovascular structures and postoperative intra-alveolar hematoma or edema after dental procedures. This results in paresthesia in the ipsilateral chin, lip (vermilion border, skin, and mucosa), and labial or buccal alveolar mucosa of the mandibular anterior teeth. However, there are no reports of sensory alterations in the teeth, especially tooth hypersensitivity, after IAN injury. I report a case in which paresthesia of the lower lip and hypersensitivity of the lower anterior teeth occurred simultaneously after the removal of the third molar that was located close to the IAN. In addition, I discuss the reasons for the different sensory changes between the tooth and chin (skin) after nerve injury from a neurophysiological point of view. Since the dental pulp and periodontal apparatus are highly innervated by the inferior alveolar sensory neurons, it seems necessary to pay attention to the changes in tooth sensitivity if IAN injury occurs during dental procedures.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.250-255
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic change of the inferior alveolar nerve according to distraction amount following mandibular lengthening. Seven rabbits weighing about 2 kg were used. Corticotomy was performed on the mandibular body anterior to the right first premolar region and unilateral external fixation device was placed. Every effort was made to preserve the inferior alveolar nerve during the corticotomy. The rabbits were then allowed to heal for 7 days without distraction of the device. The mandible was lengthened 0.36 mm/day, 0.76 mm/day, or 1.0 mm/day. Corticotomy and lengthening of mandible were not performed in control group. After the completion of the lengthening process, a 14-day-consolidation period was allowed. After consolidation, rabbits were sacrificed, and histologic examination of the inferior alveolar nerve was performed. The results obtained were as follows : 1. In the control group, normal trifascicular pattern of inferior alveolar nerve was observed. Epineurium, perineurium, endoneurium, and axon with myelin sheath were observed in normal appearance. 2. In 0.36 mm/day distraction group, the trifascicular pattern was normally shown, and there was no destruction in epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium. The mild changes including myelin attenuation, axoplasmic swelling and darkening were observed. 3. In 0.72 mm/day distraction group, it was possible to differentiate the epineurium from the perineurium. Two normal fascicles and one injuried fascicle were observed with a partially destructed perineurium. Most of the axons had axoplasmic swelling and darkening. 4. In 1 mm/day distraction group, it was difficult to differentiate the nerve structures such as fascicles, epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium. The axons were severely destroyed, except few which showed decreases in size and changes in shape. Some collagen matrices were observed around the axons. These results suggest that the higher the distraction amount, the more severe the injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, fascicles, axons. Although distraction osteogenesis may be useful, the amount of distraction should be carefully selected.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.933-948
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomic structures of the mandible-inferior alveolar canal, mental foramen, mental canal-with panoramic radiography and conventional tomography and to compare both radiographic techniques in conjunction with endosseous implants. In this study 14 adult dentulous mandibles -27 cases of right and left side of mandibles- were examined and the results were as follows. 1. The distance between superior border of the inferior alveolar canal and the alveolar ridge crest showed a decreasing tendency from the mental foramen to 4cm posterior to the mental foramen. 2. The mean diameter of the inferior alveolar canal was $4.11{\pm}0.50mm$ with panoramic radiography and $3.29{\pm}0.59mm$ with conventional tomography. 3. The inferior border of the inferior alveolar canal and inferior border of the mandible was closest at 2cm posterior to the mental foramen but it was not statistically significant. the mean distance was $1l.64{\pm}2.95mm$ in panoramic radiography and $1l.68{\pm} 2.91mm$ in conventional tomography. 4. The inferior alveolar canal located lingually in bucco-lingual direction 16%(mental foramen), 54%(lcm posterior to the mental foramen), 68%(2cm posterior to the mental foramen), 50%(3cm posterior to mental foramen), 55%(4cm posterior to the mental foramen). 5. Mean length of the anterior loop of the mental canal was 2.73mm, and the loop below 2mm was 35% and 15% of mental canal was invisible in panoramic radiography. 6. The minimum interforaminal distance was 56.7mm, the maximum distance was 73.2mm and the mean distance was 66.42mm in panoramic radiography. 7. The mean distance between midpoint of the mental canal and alveolar ridge crest was 16.24mm and the mean buccolingual angulation of the mental canal was $52.98^{\circ}$ in conventional tomography. 8. In comparison of panoramic radiography and conventional tomography, inferior alveolar canal is better visualized with conventional tomography than panoramic radiography from the mental foramen to the 2cm posterior to the mental foramen, while visiblity of conventional tomography prominently decreased in 4cm posterior to the mental foramen and alveolar ridge crest is better visualized with panoramic radiography than conventional radiography at the mental foramen and at 4cm posterior to the mental foramen. In radiologic examination of anatomic structures of the mandible for endosseous implants, panoramic radiography and conventional tomography can be effectively used when it is used to overcome the anatomic limitations.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible differences in the location of the inferior alveolar canal in male and female Egyptians. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study involved the evaluation of 210 CBCT scans of Egyptian individuals (18-70 years old). The inferior alveolar canal was localized by measuring 8 linear dimensions: 2 for the vertical localization of the mental foramen (superior and inferior to the mental foramen), 4 at the first molar bifurcation for the vertical and horizontal localization of the inferior alveolar canal (superior, inferior, buccal, and lingual to the inferior alveolar canal), and 2 for the horizontal localization of the mandibular foramen (anterior and posterior to the mandibular foramen). The measurements were statistically analyzed via comparative analysis, stepwise logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Six of the 8 measured distances differed to a statistically significant extent between the sexes. Regression analysis suggested a logistic function with a concordance index of 84%. The diagnostic accuracy capabilities of the linear measurements as sex predictors were calculated using ROC analysis, and the 6 best predictors for sex determination were selected and ranked from highest to lowest predictive power. Moreover, combining these 6 predictors increased the predictive power to 84%. Conclusion: The location of the inferior alveolar canal in the Egyptian population varies significantly by sex; accordingly, this anatomic landmark could be used as a reliable indicator of sexual dimorphism.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.464-473
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve injury and the findings of panoramic and tomographic images for preventing inferior alveolar nerve injury after the 3rd molar extraction. Material and Method: From April, 2005 to June, 2005, The 190 patients who visited in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacia Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital and the panoramic radiographies were taken for extraction of the mandibular third molar, was selected. Among 215 mandibular third molars, Scanora tomographic imagings were taken in the 90 teeth which were overlaped to the mandibular canal in the panoramic imagies. In panoramic radiographies, the angulation, the level, the root morphology, and the superimposition sign of the mandibular third molars with the mandibular canal were evaluated. In the tomographic radiographies, the location and distance of the mandibular third molar from the canal were also evaluated. The relationships between these findings and the inferior alveolar nerve injury were examined. Results: In the panoramic findings, the inferior alveolar nerve injuries were occurred in the darkened roots (5 molars, 7%), the uncontinuous radiopaque image (3 molars, 7%), and the depositioned mandibular canal (2 molars, 10%). In the tomographic findings of 90 molars, 20 molars also had the superimposition imagies. Five molars in those molars (25%) had the inferior alveolar nerve injury after extraction. There were 10 patients who had the inferior alveolar nerve injury. The sensory was began to be recovered in 9 patients, except 1 patient, within 2 weeks, then fully recovered within 3 months. Conclusion: These results indicate that the depth mandibular third molar and the superimposition sign may be related with the risk of the inferior alveolar nerve injury after extraction.