For scaling and root planing on teeth numbers 2 through 4, which injections are typically required?

For scaling and root planing on teeth numbers 2 through 4, which injections are typically required?

• A. PSA, MSA, GP
• B. PSA, GP
• C. MSA, ASA
• D. ASA, GP

Answer: (A)

When working on the maxillary posterior teeth, you want numbness of both the buccal and palatal tissues that surround those teeth. The PSA block anesthetizes the maxillary molars and their buccal gingiva, but it doesn’t reliably cover the premolars. The MSA block targets the premolars and, in many patients, the mesiobuccal root of the first molar, giving essential coverage for teeth two through four. The GP block provides anesthesia to the palatal mucosa and gingiva from the canine area back to the molars, which is needed for any palatal access during scaling and root planing. Taken together, these three injections ensure comprehensive anesthesia for the region being treated. The other options lack either premolar anesthesia, palatal coverage, or both, so they’re not typically sufficient for SRP in this area.

When working on the maxillary posterior teeth, you want numbness of both the buccal and palatal tissues that surround those teeth. The PSA block anesthetizes the maxillary molars and their buccal gingiva, but it doesn’t reliably cover the premolars. The MSA block targets the premolars and, in many patients, the mesiobuccal root of the first molar, giving essential coverage for teeth two through four. The GP block provides anesthesia to the palatal mucosa and gingiva from the canine area back to the molars, which is needed for any palatal access during scaling and root planing. Taken together, these three injections ensure comprehensive anesthesia for the region being treated. The other options lack either premolar anesthesia, palatal coverage, or both, so they’re not typically sufficient for SRP in this area.