What is the primary purpose of the long buccal block?

The long buccal block primarily serves to anesthetize the buccal soft tissue, especially in the region of the mandibular molars. This nerve block targets the buccal nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular nerve, responsible for sensation in the buccal mucosa. By effectively numbing this area, the long buccal block allows for pain-free surgical procedures or restorative work involving the lower molars.

In contrast, the other options highlight different dental considerations that are not the primary focus of the long buccal block. For instance, anesthetizing mandibular molars directly involves the inferior alveolar nerve block, as the molars receive their innervation from this nerve. Similarly, maxillary incisors require a different anesthetic approach targeting the anterior superior alveolar nerve. The idea of replacing local anesthesia injections is also not the aim of the long buccal block; rather, it serves as a complementary technique for managing soft tissue sensation in specific regions during dental procedures.