What is a primary advantage of using nerve blocks over infiltrative techniques?

The primary advantage of using nerve blocks over infiltrative techniques lies in their ability to provide more profound and longer-lasting anesthesia. Nerve blocks work by targeting specific nerves, effectively interrupting the transmission of pain signals in a larger area of tissue with a single injection. This allows for a more extensive and controlled anesthesia experience, especially in surgical procedures where larger areas are involved or where deeper structures need to be anesthetized.

In contrast, infiltrative techniques rely on injecting anesthetic directly into the tissue surrounding the area of interest. While they can be effective for smaller, superficial areas, they may not achieve the same depth of anesthesia or duration of effect as nerve blocks, particularly in larger or more complex regions. This makes nerve blocks a preferred method in various clinical scenarios, particularly in dentistry, where they can enhance patient comfort and minimize the need for additional anesthetic administration.