Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
The key to profound local anesthesia: neuroanatomy
Patricia L Blanton1, Arthur H Jeske,
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Dallas, USA. pblanton@airmail.net
Understanding trigeminal nerve innervation is key for dentists to achieve profound dental local anesthesia. This knowledge improves the safety and effectiveness of anesthetic techniques for patients.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- Achieving profound dental local anesthesia requires detailed knowledge of maxillary and mandibular sensory innervation.
- Since the 1970s, there has been renewed interest in the neuroanatomical basis of local anesthesia in dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of the peripheral distribution of the trigeminal nerve.
- To enhance the induction of safe and effective dental local anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on trigeminal nerve anatomy and its branches.
- Analysis of the peripheral distribution relevant to dental anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Detailed knowledge of trigeminal nerve branching is available.
- Current studies offer enhanced understanding of sensory innervation patterns.
Conclusions:
- Understanding potential variations in nerve innervation is crucial for dentists.
- Improved knowledge of innervation enhances the ability to achieve profound local anesthesia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia

