Which blocks can be performed for mandibular teeth?

• A. Middle mental, Inferior alveolar
• B. Infraorbital, Palatine
• C. Maxillary, Palatine
• D. Mental, Buccal

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how mandibular teeth are innervated and which nerve blocks reach those nerves. The inferior alveolar nerve block is the principal technique to anesthetize all the mandibular teeth on one side. The incisive/middle mental approach targets the anterior portion of that same nerve supply, anesthetizing the mandibular incisors and canines (the incisive branch). So using both blocks together covers the full range of mandibular dentition: the inferior alveolar block for the posterior teeth and the middle mental (incisive) technique for the anterior teeth.

The other options involve areas or blocks meant for the maxilla or for soft tissue/palatal regions, which don’t reliably numb the mandibular teeth themselves. That’s why the combination of middle mental and inferior alveolar blocks best matches anesthesia for the mandibular teeth.