The PSA nerve commonly anesthetizes which group of teeth?

The PSA nerve commonly anesthetizes which group of teeth?

• A. Maxillary molars
• B. Maxillary incisors
• C. Canines
• D. Mandibular molars

Answer: (A)

The PSA nerve block targets the posterior superior alveolar nerve, which supplies sensation to the maxillary molar region. Because of this, the PSA block commonly anesthetizes the maxillary molars (the first, second, and often third molars on that side). The mesiobuccal root of the first maxillary molar is variably supplied by a separate middle superior alveolar nerve when present, but the PSA pathway covers the molars overall. In contrast, the maxillary incisors and canines are supplied by the anterior superior alveolar (or infraorbital) nerves, and the mandibular teeth are innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve, not the PSA.

The PSA nerve block targets the posterior superior alveolar nerve, which supplies sensation to the maxillary molar region. Because of this, the PSA block commonly anesthetizes the maxillary molars (the first, second, and often third molars on that side). The mesiobuccal root of the first maxillary molar is variably supplied by a separate middle superior alveolar nerve when present, but the PSA pathway covers the molars overall. In contrast, the maxillary incisors and canines are supplied by the anterior superior alveolar (or infraorbital) nerves, and the mandibular teeth are innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve, not the PSA.