Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
Also written as: IANB
A regional anaesthetic technique that deposits local anaesthetic near the inferior alveolar nerve to anaesthetise the mandibular teeth and surrounding tissues on the ipsilateral side.
Full Definition
The inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is the most commonly administered regional nerve block in oral surgery, targeting the inferior alveolar nerve before it enters the mandibular foramen. The injection anaesthetises the mandibular teeth, periodontium, buccal gingiva anterior to the first molar, and the lower lip on the treated side. Proper documentation includes the anaesthetic agent, concentration, volume, and vasoconstrictor used. Editors must note that 'IANB' and 'inferior dental block' are synonymous; however, 'inferior dental block' is more common in British English clinical documents. Do not conflate with 'mental nerve block,' which anaesthetises only the anterior region.
Usage
Usage note: 'Inferior dental block' is the preferred British English variant; 'IANB' is standard in North American clinical documentation. Distinguish from 'Gow-Gates block,' a different mandibular technique.
In Context
- "Anaesthesia was achieved via an inferior alveolar nerve block using 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine." — Operative anaesthetic record
- "Editors should confirm that 'IANB' is expanded on first mention in patient information leaflets." — Patient information leaflet