inferior alveolar nerve block
Also written as: IANB — Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
A regional anesthetic technique in which local anesthetic is deposited near the inferior alveolar nerve to anesthetise the mandibular teeth, associated periodontium, and lower lip on the injected side.
Full Definition
The inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is the most commonly performed dental nerve block and is often combined with sedation in dental anesthesiology to provide complete surgical anesthesia of the lower jaw. The anesthetic is injected at the pterygomandibular space before the nerve enters the mandibular foramen. Editors should note the full name on first use, followed by the abbreviation IANB in parentheses; subsequent mentions may use the abbreviation. Do not conflate with the mental nerve block, which anesthetises only the anterior mandible.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use as 'inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB).' Do not abbreviate to 'inferior dental block' in formal clinical writing, as this variant may cause ambiguity.
In Context
- "Following sedation induction, an inferior alveolar nerve block was performed bilaterally for the full-mouth extraction." — Operative note
- "The IANB was documented with anatomical landmarks and the volume of anesthetic deposited." — Procedure log