When providing an inferior alveolar nerve block, the solution should be deposited above which foramen?
(A.) Infraorbital
(B.) Mental
(C.) Mandibular
(D.) Incisive
Answer: (C.) Mandibular
- The mandibular foramen is an opening located on the inner surface of the ramus. It is through this foramen that the inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandible and provides sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth and soft tissues. For this reason, the anesthetic should be deposited above the mandibular foramen to properly accomplish an inferior alveolar nerve block.
- The mental foramen is an opening located on the outer surface of the body of the mandible around the apex of the mandibular second premolar. It is through this foramen that the mental nerve (branch of the inferior alveolar nerve) exits the mandible to provide innervation to the facial soft tissues of the area anterior to the mental foramen.
- The infraorbital foramen is an opening located about 1 cm below the orbital rim. It is through this foramen that the anterior superior alveolar and middle superior alveolar nerve exit to provide innervation to the maxillary anteriors and premolars.
- The incisive foramen is an opening located behind the maxillary central incisors on the hard palate. It is through this foramen that the nasopalatine nerve exits to provide innervation to the palatal soft tissue and bone around the maxillary anterior teeth (canine to canine).
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