(A). Lingual gingiva of the mandible
(B). Facial gingiva of the mandibular anterior teeth
(C). Buccal gingiva of the mandibular molars
(D). All teeth posterior to the mental foramen
The mental nerve is a terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve that exits through the mental foramen located on the outside of the body of the mandible.
- The mental nerve innervates the buccal mucous membrane anterior to the mental foramen to the midline, lower lip, and chin (in yellow in the image). It does NOT innervate the lingual gingiva and the teeth pulp. Therefore, a mental nerve block anesthetizes only the structures innervated by the mental nerve.
- The lingual nerve innervates the lingual gingiva, anterior 2/3 of the tongue, and mucous membranes of the floor of the mouth.
- The buccal nerve innervates the facial (buccal) mucous membrane of the cheek and the buccal gingiva of the mandibular molars.
- The inferior alveolar nerve innervates the pulp and mucoperiosteum of all mandibular teeth (except for the buccal gingiva of the molars), chin, and lower lip.
Answer: (B). Facial gingiva of the mandibular anterior teeth
This question may actually be really important if you are taking the CDCA and WREB Local Anesthesia boards! When I was a student (and honestly until I made, with other professionals, StudentRDH local anesthesia boards review course - $59), I was a little confused. I thought all the injections provided numbing to the teeth. But it is not the case. Some injections do NOT affect the teeth – NP, GP, mental nerve block, lingual nerve block, buccal nerve block.
If you have any questions about the dental hygiene local anesthesia exams (WREB, CDCA), email me at ClaireJ@StudentRDH.com
Mini Boards Reviews for the National + Local Anesthesia Dental Hygiene Boards. Weekly Sample Questions at www.StudentRDH.com. Find COMPLETE review courses too. “I wish I did not spend money on other review courses!” – Bethany, Bergen CC, March 2016