At what tooth position is the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) closest buccally?

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is closely associated with the roots of the teeth in the mandible, particularly as it travels within the mandibular canal. The position of the IAN tends to be closer to the buccal side in the region of the third molars compared to other teeth.

In the case of the third molar, the roots of the tooth can often extend further distally and can cause the nerve to be situated more buccally. This anatomical relationship is particularly relevant in surgical procedures, such as third molar extractions, where understanding the proximity of the IAN is critical to avoiding nerve injury and facilitating a safe procedure.

For the first molar, second molar, and canine, while they are also important reference points regarding the IAN, anatomical studies have shown that the nerve does not come as close to the buccal aspect in these regions as it does in the third molar area. This makes the third molar the area where the IAN is closest buccally, emphasizing the importance of careful surgical planning in that location.