Intraligamentary anaesthesia: a local anaesthesia technique in equine dentistry

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 human dentistry, particularly in paediatric patients. This approach, commonly referred to as intraligamental or intraligamentary anaesthesia (ILA), has been widely adopted due to its effectiveness and relative simplicity. The aims of the present publication were: (1) to provide a review of the literature, (2) to describe an ILA technique adapted by the authors for use in equine dentistry, and (3) to evaluate this technique in an equine cadaver study.

Following injection of the solution into the periodontal ligament, the solution was observed to spread extensively through the PDL and alveolar bone, accumulating around the apex of the tooth. In horses, this distribution appeared to occur via both diffusion along the PDL within the periodontal space and infiltration into bone marrow spaces.

The described ILA technique is straightforward to perform and can practically be applied in equine dental procedures. The cadaver study demonstrated consistent distribution of the injected solution around the root apex, supporting the anatomical basis for potential desensitisation of the pulp, periodontium, and surrounding tissues. While clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy, these findings indicate that ILA may represent a useful additional technique for achieving local anaesthesia prior to tooth extraction in horses.