mandibular canal
The mandibular canal is a narrow passageway located within the lower jawbone, or mandible. It houses the inferior alveolar nerve and blood vessels, which supply sensation and blood to the lower teeth and chin. This canal runs from the back of the jaw to the front, making it essential for dental procedures.
Understanding the location of the mandibular canal is crucial for dentists, especially during tooth extractions or dental implants. Damage to the structures within the canal can lead to complications, such as numbness or pain. Proper imaging techniques, like X-rays, are often used to visualize the canal before procedures.