Which block is hematomas most associated with?

Hematomas are most commonly associated with the posterior superior alveolar block. This block is used to anesthetize the maxillary molars and is performed by injecting anesthetic near the posterior superior alveolar nerve, which runs close to the maxillary bone's surface and can be found in proximity to the maxillary sinus.

When performing this technique, there is a risk of puncturing a blood vessel, which leads to the formation of a hematoma. This is particularly likely because the injection site is often in a highly vascularized area, and the needle can inadvertently enter a vein or artery during the injection process.

In contrast, the other blocks listed are less likely to be associated with hematomas. The greater palatine block targets the greater palatine nerve located deeper within the palate, making large vessel puncture less probable. The middle superior alveolar block, while it can cause some issues, is not as commonly linked with hematoma formation as the posterior superior alveolar. The mental block, which is intended for the mental nerve, primarily affects the lower lip and chin area and does not generally present the same risk factors for hematoma development as the posterior superior alveolar block.

Thus, the association of hematomas with the posterior superior