A comparative study of the extra-intraoral landmark technique and the direct technique for inferior alveolar nerve block.

Currently, the inferior alveolar nerve block is sometimes ineffective for a number of reasons. The extra-intraoral landmark technique (EIL technique) was modified and compared in effectiveness with the direct technique in patients undergoing inferior alveolar nerve block. The results showed that the success rates of the EIL technique based on both subjective and objective responses were significantly greater than those of the direct technique. The EIL technique also resulted in significantly less pain from the injection than the direct technique.