The nerve in the chin is the mental nerve.
More Details on the Mental Nerve
The mental nerve is a sensory branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, which itself is a branch of the mandibular nerve (one of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve). Its primary function is to provide sensation to the skin of the chin and the lower lip.
- Origin: It emerges from the mental foramen, an opening on the anterior surface of the mandible (lower jaw).
- Function: The mental nerve is purely sensory. It carries sensations of touch, temperature, and pain from the:
- Skin of the chin
- Skin and mucous membrane of the lower lip
Clinical Significance
Damage to the mental nerve, which can occur during dental procedures (like implant placement or tooth extraction), facial trauma, or surgery, can result in:
- Numbness or altered sensation (paresthesia) in the chin and lower lip.
- Pain (neuralgia) in the affected area.
It's crucial for clinicians to be aware of the location of the mental nerve to avoid injury during procedures.
