Anat Cell Biol.  2021 Dec;54(4):409-416. 10.5115/acb.21.113.

Comprehensive review of the incisive branch of the inferior alveolar nerve

• Caughey JA
• Do Q
• Shen D
• Ohyama H
• He P
• Tubbs RS
• Iwanaga J

• KMID: 2523570
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.21.113

Abstract

The incisive branch of the inferior alveolar nerve is a vital anatomical structure within the anterior mandible that has not been thoroughly defined and outlined in reports in the literature until recent years. Advances in radiological imaging, particularly the widespread use of cone-beam computed tomography has allowed for accurate visualization of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) and its associated incisive branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. Surgical damage to the MIC, which could result in hemorrhage and sensory disturbance, may occur in commonly practiced oral and maxillofacial procedures, such as chin bone harvesting, implant placement, fracture repair and removal of pathologic entities of the anterior mandible. Knowledge of both the presence, dimensions and location of the incisive branch is a vital component to pre and peri-operative planning of oral and maxillofacial surgeries performed within the mandible, particularly within the interforaminal zone. In this article, the terminology, anatomy, imaging, surgical consideration, and pathology of the incisive branch will be discussed.

Keyword

Mandible; Incisive canal; Dental implants; Oral surgery; Cone-beam computed tomography

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Cadaveric example of the incisive branch of the inferior alveolar nerve and artery. Note the buccal cortical plate of the mandible is removed (right side).

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  Fig. 2 Mandibular incisive canal (MIC) in the lower canine region in sagittal cone-beam computed tomography. Note the MIC is surrounded by the dense bone.

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  Fig. 3 Continuity of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) and mandibular canal (MC) shown in axial cone-beam computed tomography. The bony canal to the mental foramen is also shown (arrow).

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  Fig. 4 Mandibular incisive canal (MIC) in panoramic radiograph. Note the initial part of the MIC is visible but not clear mesial to the first premolar. MF, mental foramen; MC, mandibular canal.

Reference

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