Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The maxillary teeth primarily receive their blood supply from the maxillary artery, which is a major branch of the external carotid artery. The maxillary artery supplies the maxilla and its associated structures, including the teeth, gums, and the maxillary sinus.

The maxillary artery provides several branches, such as the posterior superior alveolar artery, which specifically supplies the maxillary molars and premolars, and the anterior superior alveolar artery for the incisors and canines. This specialized vascular supply is crucial for the health and vitality of the maxillary teeth.

In contrast, the aorta is the main artery from which the rest of the body’s arteries branch off, but it does not directly supply the maxillary teeth. The external carotid artery does give rise to the maxillary artery, but it is not the primary artery supplying the maxillary teeth themselves; rather, it is a source artery from which the maxillary artery branches. The facial artery, another branch from the external carotid, primarily supplies the face and does not have a direct role in supplying the maxillary teeth. This makes the maxillary artery the most accurate answer regarding the blood supply specifically targeted to the area of interest.