THE EFFECT OF UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL MANDIBULAR NERVE BLOCK ANESTHESIA IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of bilateral mandibular nerve block anesthesia. One hundred and fifty patients ranging in age from 4 to 7 years were selected among those presenting to the Pediatric Dentistry Department outpatient clinic, Alexandria University. They were positive or definitely positive, according the Frankl's behavior scale and with no previous dental experience with mandibular nerve block anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups of 75 children each. Group I consisted of patients with unilateral dental complaint, while group II consisted of patients with bilateral dental complaint. The treatment need was fulfilled in a session that was not to exceed 60 minutes. Comparison was made between the two groups regarding level of anxiety, reaction to pain, evaluation of tongue and lip performance and hemodynamic changes. Postoperative complications were compared in both groups as regards biting tendency, nausea and vomiting, speech difficulties, drooling, time of first meal, ability to drink from a cup and location and/or severity of any resulting trauma. Postoperative response was assessed for both groups in relation to patients' acceptance of the procedure and of numbness sensation, as well as. parental acceptance of bilateral mandibular nerve block anesthesia.