Which branch provides innervation to the PDL of adjacent roots and terminates in the PDL at the root furcations?

• A. Interradicular branches
• B. Interdental branches
• C. Anterior superior alveolar
• D. Posterior superior alveolar

Answer: (A)

Interradicular branches are the nerve fibers that travel between the roots of multi-rooted maxillary teeth and enter the periodontal ligament right at the furcation area. This placement lets them provide sensory innervation specifically to the interradicular PDL and the furcation region where the roots diverge. In contrast, interdental branches run along the space between adjacent teeth and supply the PDL and gingiva in that interdental zone, not the furcation. The anterior superior alveolar and posterior superior alveolar nerves supply the PDL of their respective tooth groups, but their branches don’t terminate at the furcation between roots. So, the interradicular branches are the ones whose distribution matches innervation of the PDL at root furcations.