Oral Surgery · single question
A patient with a 15-year-old denture has discomfort at the right mandibular residual ridge. Which nerve is causing the pain?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Mental nerve
As the mandibular ridge resorbs, the mental nerve can become superficial and vulnerable to denture pressure.
- A. ❌ Inferior alveolar nerve courses inside the mandibular canal.
- B. ❌ Buccal nerve provides sensation to buccal mucosa.
- C. ❌ Lingual nerve provides sensation to the tongue and lingual mucosa.
- D. ✅ CORRECT – Mental nerve becomes superficial with severe ridge resorption, causing denture-related pain.