Use of Ultrasound-Guided Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block and Intravenous Sedation to Control a Gag Reflex

This report describes the management of a dental patient with a severe gag reflex who was treated successfully using bilateral ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve blocks (UGPNBs) combined with moderate intravenous sedation (IVS). A 45-year-old male faced difficulty in undergoing multiple dental treatments due to a severe gag reflex. Initial treatment with moderate IVS alone was insufficient to control his gag reflex. Subsequent treatments using bilateral UGPNBs in combination with moderate IVS effectively mitigated his gag reflex, allowing for successful dental treatment. This approach may be beneficial in managing patients with severe gag reflex during dental treatment.