Electrophysiological assessment of human inferior alveolar nerve function

This study describes a technique for making electrophysiological recordings from the inferior alveolar nerve of conscious human subjects. Recordings were obtained from 6 of 10 subjects, with consistent waveform latencies and amplitudes across subjects. The neurogenic origin of the responses was verified by blocking the nerve with 2% xylocaine, resulting in a loss of the waveform. The method is relatively simple, tolerated well by patients, and yields consistent electrophysiological information. Proposed refinements of the technique could result in a clinically useful method of objectively assessing the functional state of the inferior alveolar nerve following injury or surgical intervention.