If the central incisor has a defect on the root, which injection would you give?

If the central incisor has a defect on the root, which injection would you give?

• A. Nasopalatine
• B. Infraorbital
• C. Posterior superior alveolar
• D. Greater palatine

Answer: (A)

Blocking the sensation to the palatal tissues of the maxillary anterior region is the purpose of the nasopalatine nerve block. The nasopalatine nerve travels through the incisive foramen and supplies the palatal mucosa and periosteum from canine to canine, including the central and lateral incisors. If a defect is on the root of the central incisor, you often need anesthesia for the palatal side of that area, and injecting near the incisive foramen effectively blocks sensation to that region. The other injections target different areas: the infraorbital/ASA block mainly covers the buccal and pulpal aspects of the anterior teeth and their facial soft tissues; the greater palatine block anesthetizes the posterior hard palate and does not reach the anterior incisor region; the posterior superior alveolar block covers the posterior maxillary teeth. Thus, the nasopalatine injection best suits anesthesia of the anterior palatal region relevant to a central incisor root defect.

Blocking the sensation to the palatal tissues of the maxillary anterior region is the purpose of the nasopalatine nerve block. The nasopalatine nerve travels through the incisive foramen and supplies the palatal mucosa and periosteum from canine to canine, including the central and lateral incisors. If a defect is on the root of the central incisor, you often need anesthesia for the palatal side of that area, and injecting near the incisive foramen effectively blocks sensation to that region. The other injections target different areas: the infraorbital/ASA block mainly covers the buccal and pulpal aspects of the anterior teeth and their facial soft tissues; the greater palatine block anesthetizes the posterior hard palate and does not reach the anterior incisor region; the posterior superior alveolar block covers the posterior maxillary teeth. Thus, the nasopalatine injection best suits anesthesia of the anterior palatal region relevant to a central incisor root defect.