The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is a branch of the mandibular nerve, the third division of the trigeminal nerve. Precise knowledge of its course and anatomical variations is vital in avoiding surgical complications and potentially life-changing nerve injury. This case report presents an anatomical variation of an extra-canalicular IAN, in direct contact with the retained root of a lower second molar requiring surgical removal. This case highlights the importance of pre-operative imaging, tailored surgical planning, modification of local anaesthesia techniques, intra-operative protection of the nerve and follow-up protocol. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Recognition of extra-canalicular variants of the IAN by CBCT imaging allows surgeons to modify their techniques to minimize the risk of nerve injury during mandibular molar surgery.
Patel et al. (Sat,) studied this question.