A mental nerve block is a local anesthesia injection that numbs the mental nerve in the lower jaw. It is commonly used to numb the lower lip, chin, and nearby gum tissue on one side. Dentists use it to make certain procedures more comfortable in the front and premolar region of the mandible. It is different from blocks meant to numb lower teeth, although it may be paired with related techniques.
A lingual nerve block is a type of local anesthesia used to numb tissues on the tongue side of the lower jaw. It targets the lingual nerve, which carries feeling from the front part of the tongue and nearby soft tissues. It is commonly performed alongside lower-jaw dental anesthesia, especially during mandibular procedures. Its goal is comfort and pain control for soft tissues rather than the tooth itself.
IAN block is a term some clinicians use to describe a direct filling approach that builds a “block” of tooth-colored resin in a controlled way. It typically involves an injectable or highly flowable composite resin placed into a prepared tooth and then light-cured. The goal is to restore missing tooth structure with a material that can adapt closely to the cavity shape. It is most commonly discussed for small-to-moderate restorations in back teeth, where shaping and contact points matter.
An inferior alveolar nerve block is a dental local anesthesia injection used to numb the lower jaw on one side. It targets the inferior alveolar nerve before it enters the mandible (lower jawbone). It is commonly used for dental work on lower back teeth and nearby soft tissues. It is often discussed alongside other “mandibular blocks,” which are techniques to anesthetize lower-jaw nerves.
local anesthesia is a way to temporarily numb a specific area of the mouth or face. It reduces pain during dental procedures while you remain awake and able to respond. It is commonly used for fillings, crowns, gum procedures, and tooth extractions. Numbness usually lasts for a limited time and then sensation gradually returns.
A mattress suture is a suturing technique used to bring soft tissue edges together using a “back-and-forth” stitch pattern. It is commonly used in dentistry and oral surgery to stabilize gum tissue (gingiva) after procedures. The technique can help control tissue tension and improve wound edge positioning. Mattress suture patterns are most often described as **horizontal** or **vertical** mattress sutures.
A simple interrupted suture is a single stitch that is tied and cut before the next stitch is placed. Each stitch stands alone, so one knot failure does not usually undo the entire closure. In dentistry, it is commonly used to close small surgical wounds after procedures like tooth extractions or gum surgery. It is also used to help stabilize soft tissue (the gum and lining tissues) as healing begins.
A nonresorbable suture is a stitching material that is not designed to break down and dissolve in the body. In dentistry, it is commonly used to hold gum tissue (gingiva) together after oral surgery. Because it does not dissolve, it typically needs to be removed by a clinician, depending on the case. Different materials and thread designs are chosen based on tissue type, handling, and desired support.
A resorbable suture is a surgical thread that is designed to break down in the body over time. In dentistry, it is commonly used to hold gum tissue (soft tissue) in place after procedures. It can reduce the need for a separate visit to remove stitches, depending on the material and case. How quickly it dissolves varies by material and manufacturer.
A suture is a medical thread used to hold tissues together while a wound heals. In dentistry, suture is commonly used after oral surgery to close gum (gingival) or mucosal incisions. It can be placed to control bleeding, protect a surgical site, and stabilize soft tissue. Some suture materials dissolve on their own, while others are removed at a follow-up visit.