Dr. David Isen on the Phil Klein Dental Podcast 6/01/2026

(Click here to Listen to the Podcast)

In this episode, we go back to the fundamentals. We explore why the inferior alveolar nerve block fails so often, what’s really happening anatomically when patients aren’t getting numb, and how a deeper understanding of these patterns can help clinicians improve both consistency and patient comfort in everyday practice. We’ll also take a closer look at anesthetic selection—specifically the advantages of articaine over lidocaine—and discuss the clinical situations where articaine can make a meaningful difference, and why many clinicians consider it an essential part of their anesthetic armamentarium. Joining us today is Dr. David Isen. He practices in Toronto, Canada, where his anesthesia-based practice focuses on patients who require all levels of sedation, general anesthesia, and advanced local anesthetic techniques—often individuals with special medical needs, dental phobia, or unique challenges with anesthesia.