Surgical significance of Inferior alveolar nerve and artery

In an excessively resorbed ridge, the mental foramen with its contents of mental nerve and vessels, can be found on the crest of the ridge. An incision or reflection of the mucosa in this area must avoid injury to these vital structures. The knowledge of position of the inferior alveolar canal in vertical as well as buccolingual dimension is of paramount importance during site preparation for implants. Intrusion into the mandibular canal during surgery results in increased risk of haemorrhage, visibility impairment, and increased potential of fibrous tissue formation at the surface of the implant. Encroachment of the mandibular canal, mental foramen during osteotomy can result in injury to these nerves and accompanying blood vessels causing paraesthesia, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, dysthesia or anaesthesia of the teeth, lower lip or surrounding skin and mucosa. Also may cause venous/arterial bleeding.