Dental Nerve Supply — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Posterior superior alveolar nerve
Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · D = shown as C · C = shown as D · B = shown as E
A is correct. The posterior superior alveolar nerve is a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and supplies the posterior maxillary dental region, including the buccal gingiva adjacent to maxillary molars. The long buccal nerve is a plausible distractor because it supplies buccal gingiva in the molar region, but this is the mandibular molar region. The infraorbital nerve is associated chiefly with anterior and premolar maxillary innervation through its superior alveolar branches. The greater palatine nerve supplies palatal mucosa and palatal gingiva, not buccal gingiva. The lesser palatine nerve supplies the soft palate. The decisive distinction is maxillary buccal versus mandibular buccal and palatal innervation.
Reference: Tummalapalli S, et al. Posterior superior alveolar nerve block alone in the extraction of upper third molars: a prospective clinical study. Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37559667/