Which dental structure is anesthetized by the incisive nerve block?

The incisive nerve block primarily anesthetizes the pulp of the maxillary incisors. This anesthetic technique targets the incisive nerve, which is a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2). The incisive nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior teeth, specifically the maxillary incisors and canines, as well as the facial tissues in the anterior area of the hard palate.

An effective incisive nerve block will numb the pulp and associated tissues, relieving pain during dental procedures involving these teeth. In contrast, the other choices involve different nerves or areas of innervation, such as the mandibular incisors and molars, which would typically require a different anesthetic approach, such as a mental or inferior alveolar nerve block. Understanding the anatomy and the specific areas affected by different nerve blocks is crucial for effective pain management in dental practice.