Which injection would numb the palatal tissue adjacent to the maxillary molars?

• A. Greater Palatine
• B. Nasopalatine
• C. Infraorbital
• D. Mental

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the palatal tissue near the maxillary molars is supplied by the greater palatine nerve as it runs to the posterior hard palate and the palatal gingiva of the posterior teeth. An injection at the greater palatine foramen blocks this nerve, numbing the palatal mucosa and gingiva in the molar region. The nasopalatine nerve covers the anterior palate (incisors and canines), so it wouldn’t numb the area near the molars. The infraorbital nerve mainly affects the facial aspect and anterior/posterior maxillary teeth but not the palatal surface behind the canines. The mental nerve targets the lower lip and chin. Therefore, the injection near the greater palinate foramen is the correct choice for numbness of the palatal tissue adjacent to the maxillary molars.