The mandibular lateral incisors sit beside the lower central incisors (Universal 26 on the right and 23 on the left, FDI 42 and 32). They are slightly larger than the centrals, with a straight incisal edge, no cusps and a single flat root that often contains two canals. They erupt at about 7-8 years.
| Location | Lower dental arch, between the central incisor and the canine on each side |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Incisive branch of the inferior alveolar nerve (mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve); Mental nerve (labial gingiva); Lingual nerve (lingual gingiva) |
| Blood Supply | Incisive branch of the inferior alveolar artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Cut food alongside the central incisors.
Like the central incisors they collect calculus on the lingual surface and are commonly crowded, and they may be rotated in a narrow arch. The second, lingual root canal is easily missed during root canal treatment. Bone over their roots is thin, so they are vulnerable to recession and to bone loss in gum disease.
Overlap and rotation of the lower front teeth from lack of space in the arch.
Inflammation and loss of the supporting bone and gum, often with calculus build-up.
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