The purpose of this study was to determine if pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar could be achieved using a posterior superior alveolar block with a reduced depth of penetration of 10 mm compared to the current suggested depth of 16 mm.Methods: Using a cold refrigerant, a thermal test was conducted using the buccal surface of a maxillary second molar of 43 participants.  Post-test neural responses of these molars were evaluated using same cold thermal test technique.Results: Study results demonstrated that the reduced depth technique for the PSA block was successful in 88% (n=38) of the participants; pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar had been achieved.  Furthermore, there were zero positive aspirations and zero hematomas observed in the participants.Conclusion: The reduced needle depth technique showed promise in achieving desired results of pulpal anesthesia coupled with decreasing risk and complications associated with the PSA block. 
THERM