Mandibular incisive canal

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Mandibular incisive canal

The mandibular incisive canal is a bony canal located within the mandible (lower jawbone). It is a continuation of the mandibular canal and extends forward from the region of the mental foramen to the area beneath the incisors. This canal carries the incisive nerve and blood vessels that supply the anterior teeth.

Anatomy

The mandibular incisive canal is part of the mandibular canal system. It begins at the mental foramen, which is an opening on the anterior surface of the mandible, and extends forward towards the midline of the mandible. The canal is typically located within the bone, beneath the roots of the mandibular incisors and canines.

Contents

The mandibular incisive canal contains the incisive nerve, which is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. This nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior teeth, including the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines. Additionally, the canal carries blood vessels that supply these teeth.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the mandibular incisive canal is important in various dental procedures, such as the placement of dental implants and local anesthesia administration. Damage to the incisive nerve during these procedures can result in sensory disturbances or numbness in the anterior teeth.

Imaging

The mandibular incisive canal can be visualized using various imaging techniques, including panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and periapical radiographs. These imaging modalities help in identifying the precise location and course of the canal, which is crucial for planning surgical procedures.

See Also

• Mandibular canal
• Mental foramen
• Inferior alveolar nerve
• Dental implant
• Local anesthesia