Structure and Origin - The buccal nerve is a branch of the anterior division of the mandibular nerve (CN V3). - It is the only sensory branch of the anterior division. - The buccal nerve originates from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve (CN V3). - It is a sensory branch of the mandibular nerve. - The buccal nerve is the only sensory branch of the anterior division. - It connects with the buccal branches of the facial nerve on the surface of the buccinator muscle. - The nerve gives off many significant branches.

Course and Relations - The buccal nerve passes between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. - It passes underneath the tendon of the temporalis muscle. - The nerve courses deep to the masseter muscle. - Finally, it travels anteroinferiorly upon the surface of the buccinator muscle. - The buccal nerve pierces the buccinator muscle.

Distribution - The buccal nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the cheek. - It also innervates the buccal mucosa. - The nerve supplies sensory innervation to the buccal periodontium. - It innervates the gingiva of the mandibular/lower molar and second premolar teeth. - The buccal nerve also issues proprioceptive fibers into the buccinator muscle.

Clinical significance - Buccal nerve block (long buccal nerve block) is indicated for procedures involving the mucosa adjacent to the posterior molar teeth. - The injection site for buccal nerve block is distal and buccal to the third molar. - The needle penetrates 1-2mm as the nerve lies directly below the mucosa. - A buccal nerve block is often performed after an inferior alveolar nerve block for specific procedures, such as extraction of mandibular molar teeth. - The buccal nerve may be damaged by surgical incisions near the external oblique ridge of the mandible.

Notable Points - The buccal nerve passes between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle and underneath the tendon of the temporalis muscle. - It courses deep to the masseter muscle and pierces the buccinator muscle. - The buccal nerve connects with the buccal branches of the facial nerve. - It provides sensory innervation to the cheek, buccal mucosa, buccal periodontium, and gingiva of specific teeth. - The buccal nerve is commonly blocked for dental procedures and may be at risk during surgical incisions near the external oblique ridge of the mandible.