The nasopalatine nerve is a part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion which passes through the sphenopalatine foramen, across the roof of the nasal cavity to the nasal septum, and obliquely downward to and through the incisive canal. The nasopalatine nerve innervates the anterior part of the hard palate and the mucosa of the nasal septum. A nasopalatine nerve block may be used as local anesthesia for some dental procedures, though it is often painful for the patient. This is due to the resistance of the dense tissue of the palate which requires greater pressure to overcome. It causes significant pain and may lead to tissue trauma. Nasopalatine nerve damage may occur following some types of dental work or after surgery on the nasal septum. This damage often causes a reduction in the sensitivity of the front teeth or the hard palate. Nasopalatine nerve numbness may also be a side effect of the above procedures or of a nasopalatine canal cyst.