Anatomy and clinical applications of the maxillary nerve in dentistry: a literature review.

UNLABELLED: Few reports in the literature have addressed the course of the maxillary nerve, its regional branches and their significance in anaesthetic procedures. It was observed that the maxillary nerve varies in its branching pattern and the knowledge of the course and distribution of these branches may be useful for dental surgeons and anaesthetists while working in this region. Keeping these points in view, this review is aimed at presenting information about the course, distribution, possible variations, clinical significance and the anaesthetic applications of the maxillary nerve and its branches in dental procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the anatomy of the maxillary nerve is of relevance to the regional anaesthetic technique of this nerve.