Abstract
Background The injection of a local anaesthetic into the periodontal ligament (PDL) to achieve desensitisation of the pulp, periodontium and adjacent tissues, is a well-established technique in humans, especially in paediatric dentistry. The technique is commonly referred to as intraligamental or intraligamentary anaesthesia (ILA). The aims of the present publication were: (1) to provide a review of the literature, (2) to describe an ILA technique used by the authors in the field of equine dentistry, and (3) to evaluate ILA in a cadaver study in horses. Results In the clinic, we used a 27G x 35mm disposable dental needle in combination with a long-handled syringe. According to authors’ experience, high pressure is not necessary. 1.8 ml of anaesthetic solution was used. With the help of a crocodile forceps or a needle holder, the needle is directed into the PDL. The needle is inserted into the periodontal ligament until resistance is met (in general after 25–35 mm). The procedure was repeated on the mesiobuccal, mesiolingual (or -palatal), distobuccal and distolingual (or -palatal) side of the teeth. Four frozen equine cadaver heads and two fresh horse heads were used to evaluate the distribution of a local anaesthetic after an intraligamentary injection. Four cheek teeth were chosen at random on each skull. At each site of the tooth, one cartridge (1.8 ml) of black ink was manually injected. Conclusion The ILA technique is simple to use in equine dentistry to achieve desensitisation of the pulp, periodontium and adjacent tissues. The supplementary cadaver study showed spreading of the solution around apex of the root. We conclude that ILA may be an interesting alternative for perineural blocks in equine dentistry.