Challenge of creating an inferior alveolar nerve block device that allows for safe, secure, and successful performance by any operator: Non-clinical studies on models

Abstract Purpose Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is a useful nerve block in dental practice, but its success rate remains limited. This is largely attributed to operator and anatomical factors. There are some dentists who do not choose IANB owing to complications. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study that aimed to create an IANB device that allows for safe, secure, and successful performance by any operator. Methods In this study, three types of IANB devices were created for a skull model as a pilot study for clinical applications. They were designed with the dentition as a fixed point, and mandibular foramen as a target point. The dentition and jawbone were converted into data using an intraoral scanner and computed tomography imaging, respectively. A device was designed from the obtained data and output using a 3D printer. We verified the production time, material usage, and accuracy, and discussed the potential for clinical applications. Results The average time required for printing was 201 minutes. The average amount of biocompatible resin and support material used was 36 g and 52.3 g, respectively. The error between the actual needle tip position of the completed device and the needle tip position at the time of design was 0.63 mm on average. Conclusion IANB device created in this study requires more time and has higher costs than conventional IANB; however, it has sufficient accuracy for clinical applications, and potential for a safe and secure IANB that can be conducted by any operator can be expected.