Where should an incision be made in a severely atrophic mandible?

Making a full-thickness lingual incision in the area of the mental nerve is essential in cases of a severely atrophic mandible due to the need for adequate access and careful management of underlying structures. An incision in this region allows the surgeon to have better visibility and manipulate the soft tissues effectively while minimizing trauma to critical nerves and blood vessels.

In cases of atrophy, the underlying anatomy can be altered, and traditional approaches might not suffice to obtain the required access, necessitating a full-thickness incision. This technique ensures that the surgeon can navigate around the mental nerve, which is significant for sensation, and prevents potential complications related to nerve injury. Furthermore, this incision technique allows for proper exposure of the surgical site and enables necessary reconstructive procedures to be performed optimally, addressing the challenges associated with bone resorption in an atrophic mandible.

Other incision types, such as those suggested in the other choices, may not provide the same level of access or could lead to complications. For instance, a full-thickness buccal incision might compromise the outer envelope of soft tissue and not address the anatomy underlying in cases of severe atrophy effectively. Partial incisions are typically inadequate for surgical procedures that require complete visualization and access to the mandibular anatomy.