Question

"Patient: 68-year-old man

Chief complaint: ""My gums are bleeding.""
Background/or patient history: Experiencing chronic homelessness for the past 10 years
Severe alcohol use disorder
Current Findings: Partially edentulous, Gingiva is red, swollen, and bleeds on probing, Petechiae and larger bruises noticed on forearms, and Blood tests reveal low levels of vitamin C

The gingiva are innervated by which of the following nerves (select all that apply)
a. Buccal branch of CN VII
b. Posterior superior alveolar nerves
c. Lingual
d. Anterior superior alveolar nerve
e. Buccal branch of CN V long buccal nerve"

Answer 1

The gingiva are primarily innervated by the lingual nerve, buccal branch of the trigeminal nerve (long buccal nerve), and the anterior and posterior superior alveolar nerves.

Step-by-step explanation:

The innervation of the gingiva is primarily provided by the cranial nerves such as the lingual nerve and the branches of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), specifically the buccal branch (long buccal nerve) and the superior alveolar nerves, both anterior and posterior.

Specifically, the gingiva in the maxillary region receives sensory innervation from the superior alveolar nerves, while the mandibular gingiva is innervated by the buccal branch of the trigeminal nerve (long buccal nerve) and the lingual nerve. Understanding the nerve supply is crucial for diagnosing and treating various forms of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to gums that are red, swollen, and bleed, as well as tooth erosion and loss if not properly managed.