Superior position of the mandibular foramen and the necessary alterations in the local anaesthetic technique: a case report.

The inferior alveolar nerve block or inferior dental block (IDB) is one of the most common techniques of delivering dental anaesthesia, with several million being administered each year. When conventional techniques fail the dentist should have the skills and confidence to use alternative techniques to achieve anaesthesia. The aim of this paper is to discuss the possible reasons for failure, with particular reference to local anatomy. The benefit of alternative techniques is highlighted by the use of an interesting case study, involving a superior position of the mandibular foramen.