Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to improve the success of inferior alveolar nerve block in root canal treatment

Abstract

Inferior alveolar nerve block [IANB] is the most commonly used technique of local anaesthesia for root canal treatment of mandibular molar teeth. A high failure rate of the IANB has been reported owing to the inflammatory conditions that exist in the pulp and periapical tissues of the teeth - a condition termed "hot pulp". The endodontic literature suggests several methods of enhancing the success of the IANB in cases of hot pulp. The most clinically relevant and successful approach has been the use of pre-anaesthetic medication with specific Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs [NSAID]. The objective of this article is to thoroughly review the literature on preanaesthetic medication with NSAIDs to increase the success of IANB in root canal treatment.