What volume of anesthetic is most commonly used for a buccal nerve block?

The volume of anesthetic that is most commonly used for a buccal nerve block is 0.3 ml. This amount is typically sufficient to achieve adequate anesthesia for the buccal nerve, which innervates the buccal mucosa over the molar teeth area.

Using a smaller volume helps minimize the risk of complications, such as overly dense anesthesia or systemic effects, and enables precise targeting of the nerve while ensuring patient comfort and safety. This volume is particularly suitable for delivering localized anesthesia with minimal discomfort, as it's specifically tailored for the buccal region's anatomical considerations.

Larger volumes, such as 0.6 ml, 1.2 ml, or 1.5 ml, are generally unnecessary for this specific block and may lead to unintended spread of the anesthetic to adjacent areas or increased risk of complication, including hematoma formation or prolonged anesthesia. Hence, 0.3 ml is the preferred volume for effective and efficient buccal nerve block anesthesia.