What is antegonial notch?

The antegonial notch is a small indent or groove located on the lower border of the human mandible (jawbone). It is located towards the front of the mandible, just in front of the angle where the jawbone turns upward towards the ear.

The antegonial notch is an important anatomical landmark in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, as it is often used as a reference point for locating nerves and blood vessels in the lower jaw. Specifically, the inferior alveolar nerve, which provides sensation to the lower teeth and gums, passes through the antegonial notch on its way to the teeth.

Additionally, the thickness of the jawbone at the antegonial notch can be measured to help determine the suitability of the bone for dental implant placement, as thicker bone is generally more robust and able to support the implant better than thinner bone.

Overall, the antegonial notch is a small but important feature of the human mandible with significant clinical implications.