Does mallampati score affect the technical success of the inferior alveolar nerve block and posterior mandibular surgical procedures?

Abstract

Background and Aim: The aim of this randomized prospective study was to assess the effect of Mallampati score on the technical success of the inferior alveolar nerve block and posterior mandibular surgical procedures. Material and Methods: A total of 150 adult patients who required inferior alveolar nerve blocks for dental surgery in the lower posterior region were included in this study. A research fellow documented the Mallampati score, age, gender, and body mass index of patients. A resident blinded to the Mallampati scoring performed the local anaesthesia and surgical procedures and documented the technical difficulty scores during the inferior alveolar nerve block and surgical procedures, latent period of local anaesthesia, and total volume of injected anaesthetic solution. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the patients with different Mallampati scores in terms of age, technical difficulty score of inferior alveolar nerve block, and technical difficulty score of surgical procedure (p<0.05). Technical difficulty scores of the inferior alveolar nerve block were significantly higher in Mallampati class III and IV patients than in class I patients. Technical difficulty scores of the surgical procedure were significantly higher in Mallampati class II, III, and IV patients than in class I patients. Conclusions: The knowledge and/or clinical assessment regarding Mallampati classification in the field of dentistry is scarce and should be improved. Dental clinicians should be aware of the possible relationship between high Mallampati score and unsuccessful inferior alveolar nerve block or technical difficulty of a posterior mandibular surgical procedure.