📌
MENTAL NERVE BLOCK
DEFINITION (Write first in exam)
Mental nerve block is a local anesthetic technique in which the anesthetic solution is
deposited near the mental foramen to anesthetize the mental nerve, producing anesthesia of
the lower lip, chin, and labial soft tissues anterior to the mental foramen.
🧠 NERVE INVOLVED (VERY IMPORTANT CONCEPT)
Mental nerve is a terminal branch of: ➡️ Inferior alveolar nerve (branch of mandibular
It exits through: 👉 Mental foramen (usually near mandibular premolars)
division V3)
📍 AREAS ANESTHETIZED (FAVOURITE EXAM TABLE)
Structure Anesthesia
Lower lip YES
Chin skin YES
Labial mucosa (anterior teeth) YES
Buccal gingiva (premolar to midline) YES
⭐
Pulp of teeth NO (Important!)
Golden Point:
Mental nerve block provides only soft tissue anesthesia, NOT pulpal anesthesia.
❗ INDICATIONS (VERY IMPORTANT 3–5 MARKS)
Suturing of lower lip wounds
Periodontal procedures in mandibular anterior region
Soft tissue surgery (labial mucosa)
Biopsy of lower lip or chin region
When soft tissue anesthesia required without pulpal anesthesia
❌ CONTRAINDICATIONS
Infection at injection site
Acute inflammation
Uncooperative patient
Allergy to local anesthetic
📍 ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS (VIVA GOLD)
Primary Landmark:
● Mental foramen (near apex of 2nd premolar)
Other Landmarks:
● Mucobuccal fold
● Mandibular premolar region
👉
● Lower border of mandible
Location of Mental Foramen: Between apices of mandibular premolars (most commonly
below 2nd premolar)
💉 ARMAMENTARIUM
⭐
Aspirating syringe
Short needle (25 or 27 gauge)
MENTAL NERVE BLOCK
DEFINITION (Write first in exam)
Mental nerve block is a local anesthetic technique in which the anesthetic solution is
deposited near the mental foramen to anesthetize the mental nerve, producing anesthesia of
the lower lip, chin, and labial soft tissues anterior to the mental foramen.
🧠 NERVE INVOLVED (VERY IMPORTANT CONCEPT)
Mental nerve is a terminal branch of: ➡️ Inferior alveolar nerve (branch of mandibular
It exits through: 👉 Mental foramen (usually near mandibular premolars)
division V3)
📍 AREAS ANESTHETIZED (FAVOURITE EXAM TABLE)
Structure Anesthesia
Lower lip YES
Chin skin YES
Labial mucosa (anterior teeth) YES
Buccal gingiva (premolar to midline) YES
⭐
Pulp of teeth NO (Important!)
Golden Point:
Mental nerve block provides only soft tissue anesthesia, NOT pulpal anesthesia.
❗ INDICATIONS (VERY IMPORTANT 3–5 MARKS)
Suturing of lower lip wounds
Periodontal procedures in mandibular anterior region
Soft tissue surgery (labial mucosa)
Biopsy of lower lip or chin region
When soft tissue anesthesia required without pulpal anesthesia
❌ CONTRAINDICATIONS
Infection at injection site
Acute inflammation
Uncooperative patient
Allergy to local anesthetic
📍 ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS (VIVA GOLD)
Primary Landmark:
● Mental foramen (near apex of 2nd premolar)
Other Landmarks:
● Mucobuccal fold
● Mandibular premolar region
👉
● Lower border of mandible
Location of Mental Foramen: Between apices of mandibular premolars (most commonly
below 2nd premolar)
💉 ARMAMENTARIUM
⭐
Aspirating syringe
Short needle (25 or 27 gauge)
