Which anesthesia technique involves injecting near a larger terminal nerve branch?

The anesthesia technique that involves injecting near a larger terminal nerve branch is known as a nerve block. This method is used to achieve a more profound level of anesthesia by affecting a nerve that innervates a larger area. By targeting a terminal nerve branch, the anesthetic can effectively numb a broad region, which is particularly useful for procedures that would otherwise cause discomfort in a larger area of the mouth or jaw.

Nerve blocks are commonly employed for dental procedures involving the molars or other significant anatomical areas where localized anesthesia might not suffice. This technique differs from local infiltration, where the anesthetic is injected directly into the tissue. Additionally, field blocks use multiple injections to block a series of smaller nerves in the region rather than targeting a single larger nerve, which is the primary feature of a nerve block.

Topical anesthesia, on the other hand, is applied directly to the surface of the tissue and does not involve injection at all, further differentiating it from the techniques that involve deeper administration methods. Thus, the nerve block is specifically characterized by its ability to provide extensive and effective anesthesia by compromising the function of a larger nerve branch.