Which landmarks are used for a nasopalatine nerve block?

• A. Central incisors & incisive papilla
• B. Canines and palatal mucosa
• C. Lateral incisors and palatal mucosa
• D. Premolars and maxillary sinus

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the nasopalatine nerve block targets the incisive foramen, which sits in the midline just behind the central incisors and is under the incisive papilla. Palpating the incisive papilla identifies the exact midline spot where the incisive foramen opens, and injecting there anesthetizes the nasopalatine nerve as it travels through the incisive canal. Because of this, the reliable surface landmarks are the central incisors (to locate the midline and posterior limit of the anterior palatal region) and the incisive papilla (the visible marker over the foramen).

Other landmarks, like canines, premolars, or the maxillary sinus area, point to different nerves and regions of the palate, so they don’t align with the incisive foramen where the nasopalatine nerve exits.