When periodontal scaling on the palatal gingival tissue of the maxillary right second molar under block anesthesia administered ONLY to the maxillary right posterior sextant,the patient begins to gag without initiation by the clinician.What nerve was inadvertently anesthetized so as to cause this situation?
A)Nasopalatine nerve
B)Greater palatine nerve
C)Lesser palatine nerve
D)Middle superior alveolar nerve

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lesser palatine nerve provides sensory innervation to the soft palate and the palatal gingiva posterior to the maxillary second molar. Anesthesia of this nerve can lead to a gag reflex due to the inability to sense palatal touch and pressure, which triggers the reflex. Therefore, inadvertent anesthesia of the lesser palatine nerve is the most likely cause of the patient gagging during periodontal scaling on the palatal gingival tissue of the maxillary right second molar.

When Periodontal Scaling on the Palatal Gingival Tissue of the Maxillary