The intraosseous course of the mandibular incisive nerve in the mandibular symphysis.

The use of the mandibular symphysis as a source of autogenous bone grafting material has been well documented. Currently, no references in the literature describe the intraosseous distribution of the neurovascular complex anterior to the mental nerve with respect to its position buccolingually and apicocoronally. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the incisive nerve and measure its location buccolingually and apicocoronally in the anterior mandible and determine its possible significance to clinical practice. According to macroscopic dissection, the mandibular incisive nerve is a normal structure that typically extends closer to the midline than previously reported. To reduce postoperative neurovascular morbidity, this should be considered when using the mandibular symphysis as a source of autogenous bone or during placement of implants in the anterior mandible.