Endodontics · single question

A patient returns with pain after a routine mandibular posterior extraction (uncomplicated dry socket). Which nerve is most likely involved in the pain?

  1. Inferior alveolar nerve
  2. Facial nerve
  3. Glossopharyngeal nerve
  4. Auriculotemporal nerve
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Inferior alveolar nerve

As with the dry-socket question above, exposed alveolar bone in the empty socket irritates terminal branches of the inferior alveolar nerve coursing through that bone, producing the characteristic pain.

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