Gow-Gates Technique — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: C — The neck of the condyle (condylar neck below the insertion of the lateral pterygoid)
The Gow-Gates technique targets the main trunk of the mandibular nerve (V3) near the neck of the condyle, before it divides into its terminal branches. The injection is directed toward the condylar neck (below the lateral pterygoid insertion), with the patient's mouth wide open (which translates the condyle anteriorly, clearing the needle path). This single injection anaesthetises the entire V3 distribution (IAN, lingual, buccal, mylohyoid), providing a higher success rate (95%+) than the conventional IAN block and fewer supplemental injections.
Reference: Malamed – Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 7th ed., 2020