The use of extra- versus intra-oral local anaesthesia for the placement of zygomatic implants

The aim of this study is to prospectively compare extra- and intra-oral approaches to local anaesthetic alone in the provision of zygomatic implants within primary care dental practice settings. The procedure involved presentation of the extra-oral approach to local anaesthetic to general dentists and specialists unfamiliar with the technique during a live patient training course. Successful anaesthesia was determined through the patient not requiring further administration of anaesthetics. Follow-up appointments included assessment of any complications from the local anaesthetic. The results highlighted not only that local anaesthesia alone is successful and predictable for a surgical procedure in relation to the provision of zygomatic implants, but that the extra-oral approach is significantly more effective. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Optimizing local anaesthesia techniques for zygomatic implants is relevant for clinicians who place these.