Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-9-2017
Publication Title
Cureus
Keywords
anatomy; endodontics; mandible; maxilla; nerve block; superior alveolar nerve; wisdom tooth
Abstract
The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block is, from an anatomical perspective, challenging because the mandibular ramus and the zygomatic process of the maxilla can interfere with the course of the needle. Dentists empirically know that shifting the patient's mandible to the ipsilateral side can improve visibility and accessibility for such blocks. This cadaveric study aimed to establish anatomical evidence for the ipsilateral mandible shifting used in the PSA. The distance between the lateral most bulging point of the alveolar part of the maxilla and ipsilateral anterior border of the ramus of the mandible ranged from 1.4 to 6.9 mm with a mean of 4.3 ± 1.6 mm. This result supports the empirical technique of shifting the mandible ipsilaterally for PSA nerve block.
Clinical Institute
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Department
Surgery
Department
Neurosciences
Recommended Citation
Iwanaga, Joe; Simonds, Emily; Oskouian, Rod J; and Tubbs, R Shane, "Cadaveric Study for Intraoral Needle Access to the Infratemporal Fossa: Application to Posterior Superior Alveolar Nerve Block Technique." (2017). Articles, Abstracts, and Reports. 1437.
https://digitalcommons.psjhealth.org/publications/1437