Anatomy & Histology · patient case question
What provides the innervation of the mandibular posterior teeth?
Patient case: Radiographic interpretation, discoloration and denture assessment
Scenario: Five items.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The inferior alveolar nerve
- A. The lingual nerve carries general sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and the lingual gingiva — not pulpal sensation.
- B. The buccal nerve supplies the buccal soft tissue of the mandibular molars only, which is why a separate injection is needed for soft tissue there.
- C. The mylohyoid nerve is chiefly motor to mylohyoid and the anterior belly of digastric, though accessory innervation from it is one explanation for failed inferior alveolar blocks.
- D. Correct. The inferior alveolar nerve, a branch of V3, runs in the mandibular canal and supplies the pulps of all mandibular teeth through its dental branches.
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