What is the purpose of administering a mental nerve block?

Administering a mental nerve block is primarily intended to provide pain relief for the chin and lower lip. The mental nerve, which is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, innervates the skin of the chin and the mucosa of the lower lip. Therefore, blocking this nerve effectively anesthetizes these areas, allowing for procedures in the anterior mandible to be performed without causing discomfort to the patient.

While the other options relate to different areas of anesthesia or treatment objectives, the mental nerve block specifically targets the sensation in the chin and lip, making it essential for certain dental procedures in that region.