1Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai. Email: 152001087.sdc@saveetha.com
2*Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai
Background: Achieving adequate anaesthesia during extraction of maxillary posterior teeth with apical periodontitis can be challenging due to inflammatory changes in periapical tissues. The Posterior Superior Alveolar (PSA) nerve block is commonly used; however, its effectiveness as a sole anaesthetic technique in such cases remains uncertain.
Aim: To evaluate the adequacy of PSA nerve block as a stand-alone anaesthetic technique for the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth with apical periodontitis.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 20 patients aged between 40 and 70 years presenting with maxillary posterior teeth diagnosed with apical periodontitis. All patients received a PSA nerve block prior to extraction. Pain levels were assessed using a pain scale. Patients who reported pain scores between 3 and 10 received supplemental infiltration anaesthesia, after which pain was reassessed. The need for additional anaesthesia and pain relief outcomes were recorded and analysed.
Results: Out of 20 patients, only 3 patients (15%) achieved adequate anaesthesia with the PSA block alone. The remaining 17 patients (85%) required supplemental infiltration anaesthesia to achieve complete pain relief. A marked reduction in pain scores was observed following infiltration anaesthesia compared to PSA block alone.
Conclusion: The PSA nerve block alone is often insufficient for achieving profound anaesthesia in maxillary posterior teeth with apical periodontitis. Supplemental infiltration anaesthesia is frequently required and should be considered a routine adjunct to ensure effective pain control and improved patient comfort during extraction procedures.
Keywords: PSA nerve block, apical periodontitis, maxillary posterior teeth, infiltration anaesthesia, tooth extraction, pain management.
How to cite this article: Fathima J N, Saravanan. DOES PSA BLOCK IS SUFFICIENT FOR EXTRACTION OF MAXILLARY POSTERIOR TEETH HAVING APICAL PERIODONTITIS?: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 810-813. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.91
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None