Intraligamentary anesthesia – a brief review of an underestimated anesthetic technique

Abstract

Various anesthetic options are known in the field of dentistry. The most frequently used techniques are the infiltration anesthesia (IA) and the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). However, both methods are characterized by a long-lasting action, mostly longer than needed, and possible significant complications like nerve injuries. Moreover, as patients are getting older, cardiovascular and medicinal issues have to be taken into account when dental anesthesia is performed. A less known and used technique is represented by the intraligamentary anesthesia, which has unique characteristics and advatages. This special technique, its effect on the periodontal tissues, advantages and disadvantages including contraindications are discussed in the present paper.