Innervation to Mandibular Gingiva

Abstract

General sensory innervation of the mandibular gingiva by branches of the mandibular nerve (CN V‐3) is well documented. However, general sensory branches from the lingual nerve that traverse the submandibular gland have not been well documented. Therefore, using a combination of macroscopic dissection, MicroScribe 3DX, and Sihler's nerve stain, data was gathered as to which branches of the lingual nerve traverse the submandibular gland on route to innervating the mandibular gingiva. In 30 dissected specimens, the lingual nerve enters the oral cavity near the postero‐lateral surface of the tongue and sends posterior branches into the lingual mandibular gingiva, posterior and medial to the third molars. Other small branches innervate the sublingual gland and the tongue. Anterior nerve branches emerging from the sublingual gland innervate the lingual mandibular gingiva. Altogether, there are an average of 2.62 branches to the mandibular gingiva. The data demonstrated lingual nerve branches that are not presently documented in atlases, and journals. A continuation to collect specimens will allow for a greater amount of information regarding the number of branches from the parent lingual nerve innervating the mandibular gingiva, along with the consistency of how many nervous branches are found. This information could be helpful to dentists in performing local anesthetic blocks.