Alveolarnerverna

Alveolarnerverna, also known as the inferior alveolar nerve, is a significant nerve in the human head, primarily responsible for sensory innervation of the lower teeth and the chin area. It originates from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which is the fifth cranial nerve. This nerve travels through the mandibular canal, a bony passage within the mandible, or lower jawbone. As it courses through this canal, it branches off to supply sensation to the roots of all the mandibular teeth, from the midline to the third molar.

Upon exiting the mental foramen, a small opening on the anterior surface of the mandible, the alveolarnerverna transitions into the mental nerve. The mental nerve then provides sensory innervation to the skin of the chin and the lower lip. Therefore, any damage or irritation to the alveolarnerverna or its branches can result in altered sensation, pain, or numbness in these areas. Common dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction or dental implants in the lower jaw, carry a risk of affecting the alveolarnerverna. Anesthesia administered to the lower jaw, known as inferior alveolar nerve block, directly targets this nerve to provide pain relief during dental treatments.