What is the recommended amount of local anesthetic for a buccal nerve block?

For a buccal nerve block, the recommended amount of local anesthetic is typically around 0.3 ml. This volume is sufficient to adequately anesthetize the small area served by the buccal nerve, which primarily innervates the buccal soft tissues in the mandibular molar region. The limited area of coverage and relatively lower volume required are why 0.3 ml is an appropriate dosage for this specific block.

Using too much anesthetic can unnecessarily increase the risk of complications, such as inadvertent spread to neighboring areas, which could affect adjacent structures. Moreover, since the buccal nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve and does not provide sensation to the teeth directly, the lower volume is both effective and safer for achieving the desired anesthetic effect in clinical practice.