The Effect of Mandibular Shape on the Response to Dental Local Anesthesia: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: This prospective study aimed to investigate the potential impact of jaw shape on the response to dental local anesthesia. Material and Methods:The study design involved the recruitment of 300 patients for 12 months scheduled for dental procedures requiring local anesthesia. Jaw shape measurements, including the mandibular angle, jaw length, and visual assessment of facial morphology, were obtained for each participant. Pain tolerance levels were assessed, and standardized local anesthesia techniques were employed. The effectiveness of local anesthesia was evaluated based on objective measures, such as anesthesia onset and duration, and subjective measures, including pain intensity and patient satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Correlation analyses, such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, were conducted to assess the relationships between jaw shape measurements and anesthesia response variables. Results:The statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between jaw shape measurements and anesthesia response variables. A positive correlation was found between the mandibular angle and the volume of local anesthetic required (r = 0.372, p < 0.001), indicating that patients with a more pronounced angle needed higher anesthesia doses. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between jaw length and anesthesia volume (r = -0.285, p < 0.001), indicating that patients with longer jaws required lower anesthesia doses. Participants with a more pronounced mandibular angle reported higher pain intensity levels (p < 0.05), while patient satisfaction levels were lower among those with a retrusive chin (p < 0.05). Conclusion:This study demonstrates that jaw shape may influence the response to dental local anesthesia. Patients with a more pronounced mandibular angle and longer jaws may require adjustments in anesthesia dosing for optimal pain control. Additionally, specific facial morphologies, such as a retrusive chin, may be associated with increased pain sensitivity.