---
title: "What Is Inferior alveolar nerve? Dental Glossary"
description: "The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the lower jaw. It carries feeling from the lower teeth, the lower lip and the chin."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/inferior-alveolar-nerve
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Anatomy

# Inferior alveolar nerve

The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the lower jaw. It carries feeling from the lower teeth, the lower lip and the chin.

The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the [mandible](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mandible), the lower jaw. It supplies feeling to the lower teeth, the lower lip and the chin.

Dentists often put numbing medicine near this nerve before work on lower teeth. This is called a [nerve block](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nerve-block). When it works, the lower teeth on that side, and the lip and chin, feel numb for a few hours. See [dental numbness](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/numbing-dental-numbness).

Your dentist can tell you what to expect when the area is numb, and when feeling should return.

## Related terms

-   [Mandible](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mandible)
-   [Nerve block](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nerve-block)
-   [Local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic)
-   [Numbing (dental numbness)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/numbing-dental-numbness)
-   [Wisdom tooth removal](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/wisdom-tooth-removal)

## Sources

1.  [Merck Manual: How To Do an Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block - Dentistry](https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/how-to-do-dental-procedures/how-to-do-an-inferior-alveolar-nerve-block)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)