Greater Palatine Nerve Block

The nerves to be anesthetized are the greater palatine nerve or the anterior palatine nerve.  The areas anesthetized are the posterior portion of the hard palate and overlying soft tissues, anteriorly as far as the 1st premolar and medially to the midline.  The landmarks are the greater palatine foramen, the junction of the maxillary alveolar process, and the palatine bone.  The target area is the greater palatine nerve as it passes anteriorly between the soft tissues and the bone of the hard palate.  The syringe position is the opposite side of the mouth at a right angle to the target area.  Insert in the soft tissue slightly anterior to the greater palatine foramen.  The bevel orientation is toward the palatal soft tissues with pressure anesthesia prior to and during the injection.

Back to Local Anesthesia