Maxillary Nerve Block
What is maxillary nerve and when is it blocked?
Maxillary nerve is the second branch of a nerve emerging from the brain called the Trigeminal nerve, and is responsible for carrying sensation from the middle your face, oral cavity and maxillary sinuses. Certain tumours of the cheek, maxillary sinus and intraoral tumors can cause severe pain that may not be adequately treated with medications. In such cases maxillary nerve block is done to stop the painful sensations from being carried to the brain, resulting in pain relief.
How painful is the procedure?
The procedure is relatively painless as liberal amount of local anaesthetics are used to numb the skin before starting the procedure. Sedative medications are used to reduce discomfort, if any.
How long will the pain relief last?
If the nerve has been destroyed using alcohol or phenol, the pain relief lasts for 3-6 months. Radiofrequency lesioning results in pain relief lasting for a good 1-2 years. Please read our FAQ section for more information.
What are the complications of this procedure?
The complications associated with this procedure are minimal and it is generally a safe procedure. Occasionally, you can develop a blood clot under your cheek that will go away in a few days. The affected area will be numb following the procedure, which is also an indication that the maxillary nerve is blocked well.