Nerve (Inferior Alveolar)

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the main sensory nerve of the lower jaw. It runs inside the mandible through a canal, providing sensation to the lower teeth, lower lip, and chin on each side. It is the most important anatomical structure to consider when planning lower jaw implants.

Why it matters

If an implant encroaches on or directly damages the inferior alveolar nerve, the patient may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the lower lip, chin, or teeth on the affected side. This can be temporary (if the nerve is compressed but not severed) or permanent (if the nerve is damaged or severed). Permanent nerve damage is a rare but serious complication.

Safe distance

Clinical guidelines recommend leaving a minimum of 2mm between the tip of the implant and the superior border of the inferior alveolar nerve canal. CBCT scanning allows this distance to be measured precisely, and implant length is chosen accordingly.

Mental nerve

A branch of the inferior alveolar nerve exits the mandible through a small opening (the mental foramen) in the lower premolar region. Implants in this area must be positioned safely anterior or posterior to the mental foramen.