Which needle is preferred for injecting anesthetic in the maxillary arch?

The preferred needle for injecting anesthetic in the maxillary arch is the short needle. This is primarily because the maxillary arch is located closer to the surface of the gums compared to the mandibular arch, which often requires deeper penetration. When administering local anesthesia for procedures in the maxillary region, a short needle is sufficient to reach the target area without the risk of causing unnecessary discomfort or complications associated with deeper injections, which might occur with a longer needle.

Short needles are especially advantageous for providing anesthesia in the maxilla due to their ability to easily navigate the soft tissues surrounding the maxillary teeth, making the injection process more comfortable for the patient while still effectively delivering the anesthetic agent exactly where it is needed.

The other options, such as long needles and specifically designed instruments like binangle chisels and angle formers, are not typically employed for this purpose in the maxillary arch. These instruments and longer needles might be more suited for deeper injections or for different anatomical considerations, but in the context of maxillary anesthesia, the short needle is the most practical and effective choice.