Abstract
The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block is the most frequently used mandibular injection technique for achieving local anesthesia for restorative and surgical procedures. However, The IAN block does not always result in successful anesthesia, especially pulpal anesthesia. Lidocaine is used as a "standard" local anesthetic for the inferior alveolar nerve. Articaine recently joined Korean market as a form of dental cartridge. It has an advantage of superior diffusion through bony tissue. A variety of trial was performed to improve the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block. In this review, the recent update related with inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia will be discussed on the anatomical consideration, anesthetic agent, technique, and complications.