Dr. Brett Beckman holds advanced degrees as a fellow in the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and a diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in the field of veterinary dentistry, oral surgery and pain management. He owns and operates a companion animal and referral dentistry and oral surgery practice in Punta Gorda, Fla., and sees referral cases at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Orlando, Fla., and at Georgia Veterinary Specialists in Atlanta. He lectures internationally on topics related to dentistry and pain management and operates the Veterinary Dental Education Center in Punta Gorda, Fla. For more information go to 

This block affects the branches of the maxillary nerve-the infraorbital nerve, the pterygopalatine nerve, and the major and minor palatine nerves.1 Structures that are blocked include the bones, teeth, and soft tissues of the upper jaw, including the bones of the hard palate and the soft and hard palatal mucosa on the corresponding side.

Use a skull to visualize the needle placement caudal to the maxillary second molar.

Beckman BW, Legendre L. Regional nerve blocks for oral surgery in companion animals. 

To perform the maxillary block, open the patient's mouth, and retract the lip commissure caudally.

Advance the needle in a dorsal direction perpendicular to the plane of the palate, penetrating the mucosa directly behind the palatal and distobuccal roots of the maxillary second molar tooth. The needle does not need to be advanced more than 3 to 5 mm beyond the mucosa, depending on the patient's size.

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This blocks the bones, teeth, and soft tissues of the upper jaw.

Caudal maxillary (maxillary) regional block

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