Oral Surgery · single question
The structure immediately distal to tooth #30 (mandibular left first molar) that would be at risk during surgical procedures is:
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Correct answer: C. Lingual nerve
- A. INCORRECT. The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the mandibular canal, which is located more inferiorly and internally within the mandible. While it is relevant for molar extractions and implants, it is not the structure immediately distal to tooth #30 at the tissue level.
- B. INCORRECT. The mental nerve exits through the mental foramen in the premolar region (between teeth #20–21 area on the left), which is mesial/anterior to tooth #30, not distal.
- C. CORRECT. The lingual nerve runs in a superficial position along the lingual aspect of the mandible, distal to the last molar. It is immediately distal to tooth #30 on the lingual side and is at significant risk during surgical procedures (extractions, implant placement) in this region. This is why the lingual nerve is the most commonly cited structure at risk when operating distal to the mandibular first molar.
- D. INCORRECT. The buccal nerve (long buccal nerve) runs along the buccal surface and provides sensory innervation to the buccal mucosa. It is not the primary structure immediately distal to tooth #30.