The mandibular lingula's position in children as a reference to inferior alveolar nerve block

The objective of this study was to evaluate the position of the mandibular lingula (ML) to provide data for inferior alveolar nerve block techniques in children.

One hundred fifty-four panoramic radiographs of 7- to 10-year-old boys and girls were analyzed. Measurements were taken from the ML to the occlusal plane, and the percentile distances of the ML to ramal borders were determined.

The distance between the ML and the occlusal plane showed a gradual increase, but only in the male group was it statistically significant. ML's ratio position on the ramus remained constant in all analyzed groups. In the 7-year-old group, the ML was observed above the occlusal plane in 70% of girls and 55% of boys. That percentage reached 85% of all children by age 10.

The mandibular lingula's ratio position remained constant. Inferior alveolar anesthesia should be administered at least 6 mm above the occlusal plane in 7- to 8-year-old children, while 10 mm could be indicated for 9- to 10-year-old children. The mandibular lingula should be considered a reliable reference for further studies of inferior alveolar nerve block techniques.