Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preventing damage to the alveolar ridge and to any teeth, crowns, or dental prosthesis protruding therefrom during the administration of anesthetic and during insertion of rigid instruments into a patient's mouth. A protector is constructed with a removable handle and is arranged to sit astride the maxillary alveolar ridge. The protector is generally "U"-shaped in cross-section, curved to conform to the arc of the maxillary alveolar ridge, and the arms of the "U" are shaped to be located, respectively, within the anterior maxillary labial vestibule and to bear against the hard palate. The depth of the protector prevents the interior thereof from contacting either the maxillary alveolar ridge itself or any protuberances therefrom.