Lower Tooth Innervation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Inferior alveolar nerve
The inferior alveolar nerve is the principal sensory nerve supplying the mandibular teeth, including the molars. It arises from the posterior division of the mandibular nerve (V3), enters the mandibular foramen and travels through the mandibular canal, giving dental branches to the teeth. The lingual nerve supplies general sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, lingual gingiva and floor of the mouth. The buccal nerve supplies the buccal gingiva adjacent to the mandibular molars but not their dental pulps. The mylohyoid nerve is predominantly motor, although variable accessory dental sensory fibres can occur; it is not the principal supply. The mental nerve is a terminal branch supplying the lower lip, chin and anterior labial mucosa after exiting the mental foramen.
Reference: Faculty of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of England. Parameters of Care for Patients Undergoing Mandibular Third Molar Surgery, Definitions in oral surgery: Inferior alveolar nerve. 2021. https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/Files/RCS/FDS/Guidelines/3rd-molar-guidelines--April-2021-v4.pdf