Best injection spot for a 3D-guided inferior alveolar nerve block device
Official title: The Optimal Injection Site for a 3D Guided Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Device (IANBD): A Randomized Control Trial
Run by Boston University · NCT06676098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a CBCT-based 3D-guided device can place inferior alveolar nerve block injections more accurately for patients needing root canal treatment on lower molars or premolars.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06676098 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults treated at Boston University's Goldman School of Dental Medicine who are ASA I, need non-surgical endodontic therapy on a mandibular molar or premolar, have an asymptomatic pulpal diagnosis, a quadrant with at least three vital teeth, will receive a clinically indicated CBCT, and agree to guided IANB are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, allergic to lidocaine, articaine, or resin, have prior jaw surgery, have teeth unresponsive to thermal testing, or cannot/decline to have a CBCT or guided injection are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Mandibular teeth often require an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), but traditional landmark-based IANB is a blind technique with reported failure rates up to 30–45%. This interventional protocol uses a cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided, patient-specific 3D device (IANBD) to direct the needle toward the mandibular foramen. Eligible patients will receive a clinically indicated CBCT and a guided IANB using the 3D device, with outcomes focused on first-attempt anesthesia success, tissue impact, and patient discomfort. The work is conducted at Boston University's Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could achieve reliable anesthesia on the first injection with fewer needle passes, less tissue trauma, and reduced injection-related discomfort.
How similar studies have gone: Image-guided mandibular anesthesia approaches using CBCT and navigation have shown improved needle placement accuracy in prior reports, but this specific 3D-guided IANBD device is a relatively novel investigational application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient of Henry M. Goldman School of Dentistry (GSDM) * Medical History indicating American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)1 * Need Non-surgical Endodontic Therapy on Mandibular Molar or Premolar * Asymptomatic pulpal diagnosis (normal, necrotic, asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis, retreatment with no symptoms) * The quadrant to be treated must have at least 3 vital teeth. * Going to receive a CBCT required for clinical purposes * Must be willing to receive guided IANB Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to lidocaine or articaine * Resin allergy * Normal teeth unresponsive to thermal testing (ie calcified chamber) * Prior jaw surgery * Currently pregnant
Where it's running
-
Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tum-Yi Hsu, DMD DScD — BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Endodontics
- Study coordinator: Tum-Yi Hsu, DMD DScD
- Email: thsu@bu.edu
- Phone: (617) 358-3481
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
AI-supported child-friendly communication to reduce dental anxiety during local anesthesia in children
This compares AI-assisted child-friendly communication with traditional behavior techniques to see if it reduces anxiety, stress, and pain during local anesthesia in children aged 6–12.
-
Comparing warm and conventional lignocaine for dental anesthesia
This study tests if using warm lignocaine instead of room temperature lignocaine makes dental anesthesia more effective for patients getting root canal treatment on their lower back teeth.
-
Intraligamentary injection versus inferior alveolar nerve block for painful lower molar pulpitis
This trial will see if an intraligamentary injection or an inferior alveolar nerve block gives better pain control for adults having root canal treatment of a painful lower molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.