This review presents data from the literature focusing on opioids’ action on the central and peripheral nervous systems and subsequent influence on local anesthetics.

In addition to the conventional Halsted inferior alveolar nerve block and two well-known alternatives, this discussion will examine key features of other mandibular block techniques and short needle approaches.

While ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen should be a dentist’s first choice in post-procedure analgesics, novel approaches to pain management may have applications in dentistry.

Using buffered articaine offers several clinical advantages in dental pain management.

Dental teams can help decrease opioid misuse through risk assessment, patient education, and treatment referrals.

Clinicians should consider nonopioid analgesics when managing adolescent postoperative pain — especially given these patients’ risk for inappropriate substance use.

The risks associated with opioids can be greater than the benefits, so dentists should consider alternative strategies during minimal or moderate sedation.

This hybrid agent offers distinct benefits over other local anesthetic drugs.

The conventional block, Vazirani-Akinosi block, and the Gow-Gates block can all be utilized to provide profound anesthesia in the mandible.

An exploration of clinical considerations when choosing oral sedation and behavior guidance techniques for pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder.