To perform the long buccal injection, the needle is positioned where?

• A. Distal and buccal to the second mandibular molar
• B. Mesial to the canine
• C. Buccal to the first molar
• D. Lingual to the second premolar

Answer: (A)

The long buccal injection targets the long buccal nerve as it runs along the buccinator muscle near the molar region to supply the buccal mucosa and gingiva of the mandibular molars. Placing the needle distal and buccal to the second mandibular molar puts the tip right where the nerve lies, allowing the anesthetic to block sensation in the buccal soft tissues of the molar area. If the injection is made mesial to the canine or buccal to the first molar, it’s not aligned with the nerve’s path and the anesthesia of the buccal tissues may be incomplete. A lingual-to-second-premolar site would affect the lingual nerve and numb tongue/lingual tissues, not the buccal mucosa over the molars.