Explain why the lingual nerve is usually anesthetized when an IA nerve block is administered

What will be an ideal response?

When IA nerve blocks are administered, the lingual nerve is usually anesthetized along with the inferior alveolar nerve. This occurs because the lingual nerve is typically located medial and anterior to the inferior alveolar nerve and is therefore along the pathway of the needle as it approaches the IA nerve. The small drops of anesthetic solution deposited ahead of the needle and diffusion from the site of deposition of the IA block are usually sufficient to anesthetize the lingual nerve.