The injection site for lingual infiltration of maxillary molars is:

The injection site for lingual infiltration of maxillary molars is:

• A. The attached gingiva 5-10 mm from the free gingival margin
• B. Palatal mucosa near the molars
• C. Buccal mucosa near molars
• D. Occlusal surface of molars

Answer: (A)

Lingual infiltration relies on depositing anesthetic into the lingual tissue over the molar roots so the solution can diffuse through the thin lingual cortical plate to numb the root area and overlying soft tissues. The best site for this is the attached gingiva on the lingual side, about 5–10 mm from the free gingival margin. Placing the injection here puts the solution in firm, periosteum-backed tissue close to bone, which promotes diffusion to the lingual aspect of the molar roots. Palatal mucosa near the molars would anesthetize the palate, not the lingual tissues. Buccal mucosa near the molars would numb the cheek/buccal side, not the lingual side. Injecting on the occlusal surface is not used for lingual infiltration.

Lingual infiltration relies on depositing anesthetic into the lingual tissue over the molar roots so the solution can diffuse through the thin lingual cortical plate to numb the root area and overlying soft tissues. The best site for this is the attached gingiva on the lingual side, about 5–10 mm from the free gingival margin. Placing the injection here puts the solution in firm, periosteum-backed tissue close to bone, which promotes diffusion to the lingual aspect of the molar roots.

Palatal mucosa near the molars would anesthetize the palate, not the lingual tissues. Buccal mucosa near the molars would numb the cheek/buccal side, not the lingual side. Injecting on the occlusal surface is not used for lingual infiltration.