title: Simple and safe posterior superior alveolar nerve block.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The posterior superior alveolar nerve (PSAN) block is a dental nerve block used for profound anesthesia of the maxillary molars. Although it is being written in texts as a commonly used technique, but in dentistry it is rarely followed due to its nonreliable landmarks, variation in depth of insertion and frequent complications. The aim and objective are to find a technically simple method of the PSAN block without any complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was based on the experience gained from 200 patients of 125 males and 75 female in age group of 20 to 65 years in University of Vinayaka and department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of VMS Dental College and hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 200 patients' positive anesthesia obtained within a period of 5 to 10 min. No visual complications reported in this study. There was no pain during and after extraction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows this PSA nerve block using curved needle would avoid all complications reported in the literature. Therefore, the technique described in this study is an ideal option to anesthetize PSA nerve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vinayaka Mission's Sankarachariyar Dental College, Ariyanoor, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thangavelu
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vinayaka Mission's Sankarachariyar Dental College, Ariyanoor, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: N Senthil
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vinayaka Mission's Sankarachariyar Dental College, Ariyanoor, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kannan
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vinayaka Mission's Sankarachariyar Dental College, Ariyanoor, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: J Arun
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kumar
keywords: Complications; curved needle; nerve block; posterior superior alveolar nerve