Which nerve supplies sensation to the lower teeth and their buccal gingivae through the associated nerve block?

• A. Inferior dental nerve
• B. Long buccal nerve
• C. Mental nerve
• D. Incisive nerve

Answer: (A)

The sensation to the lower teeth and their buccal gingivae is carried by the inferior alveolar nerve. This nerve travels with the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, enters the mandible through the mandibular foramen, and gives off dental branches to each lower tooth. Inside the canal it also branches into the incisive nerve (supplying the anterior lower teeth) and the mental nerve (supplying the chin and lower lip). The buccal gingiva around the lower teeth is served by branches of the inferior alveolar nerve as it runs along the jaw, though a separate long buccal nerve block is sometimes used specifically for the buccal mucosa of the molars.

So, for a nerve block that numbs the lower teeth and their buccal gingivae, the nerve targeted is the inferior alveolar (inferior dental) nerve. The other nerves either supply only the gingiva or only a limited region (mental for chin/lower lip, incisive for anterior teeth, or the long buccal for buccal mucosa) and do not cover both teeth and their buccal gingiva in the same block.