Anatomical Variability of the Mylohyoid Nerve: Pilot Study in 213 Dry Human Jaws

Abstract

The mylohyoid nerve originates superior to the mandibular foramen and follows its course in an inferior-anterior direction to reach the mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric muscle. Sensory fibers of this nerve, which correspond to 30% of the total, are spread in the skin of the lower portions of the chin and, eventually, innervate some dental units. The aim of this study is to visually investigate, in 213 dry human mandibles, whether or not there are lingual foramina that indicate anatomic variation of the mylohyoid nerve. Human jaws were analyzed in the human anatomy laboratory at Tiradentes University -UNIT/SE and the results obtained indicate that 76% of them had foramines that suggest the entry of the mylohyoid nerve for innervation of the teeth. The region that most highlighted the foramina index was the premolars on both sides and the sex that most highlighted its presence was male with 61.7%. Regarding the mandibular shape, there is a higher prevalence of foramin in oval-shaped mandibles. In relation to the presence and absence of dentition, the highest rate of this occurred in mandibles with partial edentulism. Thus, we point out the importance of knowing these variations of the mylohyoid nerve, so that the professional can intervene effectively in peri and intraoral surgical procedures.