Which areas are anesthetized by a greater palatine nerve block?

• A. Posterior portion of the hard palate and its overlying soft tissues anteriorly as far as the first premolar and medially to the midline
• B. Anterior maxillary teeth and gingiva
• C. Buccal mucosa of the cheek
• D. Lips and mucosa of the lower jaw

Answer: (A)

The greater palatine nerve block targets the sensory territory of the greater palatine nerve, which runs along the hard palate from the posterior region toward the front. Blocking this nerve anesthetizes the posterior portion of the hard palate and the overlying palatal mucosa and gingiva, extending anteriorly as far as the first premolar and medially to the midline. This reflects the nerve’s course from the greater palatine foramen across the hard palate to supply the palatal tissues behind the canine region. It does not numb the anterior maxillary teeth (that area is served by the nasopalatine/infraorbital regions), the buccal mucosa of the cheek (served by the buccal/long buccal nerve), or the lips and mucosa of the lower jaw (served by mandibular nerves).