What is the recommended technique for achieving anesthesia in the maxilla?

The recommended technique for achieving anesthesia in the maxilla is to infiltrate over the buccal portion of the tooth. This approach is effective because the maxillary bone is relatively porous compared to the mandible, allowing the local anesthetic to diffuse easily through the bone and reach the dental nerves supplying the teeth. When the anesthetic is deposited in the buccal vestibule or mucosa near the tooth, it can effectively numb the targeted area, ensuring the patient experiences minimal discomfort during dental procedures.

Infiltration is particularly well-suited for maxillary teeth because the roots of these teeth are typically surrounded by less dense bone, which facilitates the anesthetic's spread. This method is preferred for most minor dental work and is straightforward to perform with a high success rate.

Other options like injecting in the lingual area, administering a subcutaneous injection, or using a nasal spray anesthetic do not provide the same level of localized and effective anesthesia for maxillary dental work. The lingual area injection would be more relevant for certain mandibular procedures, while subcutaneous injections are generally reserved for different applications, and nasal spray anesthetics are not typically utilized for dental procedures involving maxillary teeth.