Which nerve block is used to anesthetize the buccal soft tissue of the molars?

The buccal nerve block is specifically designed to anesthetize the buccal soft tissues adjacent to the molar teeth. This technique targets the buccal nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). When administered correctly, it provides effective analgesia for the buccal mucosa, allowing for pain-free dental procedures in the molar region.

In contrast, the mental nerve block primarily anesthetizes the anterior teeth and the labial soft tissues, while the posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block is focused on numbness of the maxillary molars and surrounding soft tissue, making it ineffective for the buccal soft tissue of mandibular molars. The inferior alveolar (IA) nerve block provides anesthesia to the mandibular teeth but does not specifically target the buccal tissue, as it focuses more on the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandibular canal.

Thus, the buccal nerve block is the most appropriate choice for anesthesia of the buccal soft tissue of the molars, making it the correct answer.