What is the primary use of long needles in dental procedures?

Long needles are primarily used in dental procedures to administer anesthesia for block injection on the mandibular arch. This technique is particularly important because it allows the anesthetic to reach deeper nerves in the lower jaw, which often require a longer needle to penetrate through the tissues. When performing block injections, the dentist aims to numb a larger area, such as the entire quadrant or hemimandible, rather than just a localized area. The long needle is essential for effective access to the inferior alveolar nerve, which is vital for ensuring the patient does not feel pain during procedures involving the lower teeth.

In contrast, other methods of anesthesia, like infiltration injections typically associated with the maxillary arch, usually utilize shorter needles as the target nerves are located closer to the surface and require less penetration. Administering medications orally does not involve the use of needles at all. In this context, it is clear that the long needle's specific design and length are tailored to effectively facilitate block anesthesia in the mandibular arch.