Ultrasound-Guided Selective Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block for Severe Gag Reflex During Dental Treatment: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

The ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block (UGSGNB) has been developed as an approach to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional glossopharyngeal nerve block. The UGSGNB may be performed when a gag reflex occurs during dental treatment. Case 1 involved a 67-year-old man with a medical history of cervical spondylosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Dental treatment with conscious sedation and the UGSGNB was performed three times. Case 2 involved a 25-year-old woman who was scheduled for dental treatment under general anesthesia because of dental phobia and gagging. Because the patient experienced severe tooth pain and desired urgent treatment, anesthesia was induced with intravenous sedation and the UGSGNB. In both cases, treatments were completed without intraoperative gagging or any complications. Our observations indicate that the UGSGNB can suppress the gag reflex during dental treatment; it may allow surgeons to avoid inducing general anesthesia and deep sedation in patients with a severe gag reflex.