The Role of Sensory and Sympathetic Nerves in the Development and Bone Metabolism of Mandible.

The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating bone remodeling, with both sensory and autonomic nerves distributed within bone tissue. In the mandible, the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and sympathetic nerves provide the primary innervation. Numerous studies have demonstrated their essential functions in mandibular development and bone metabolism. Focusing on mandibular innervation, we synthesize current evidence to demonstrate the modulatory effects of sensory and sympathetic nerves on bone growth and regeneration, and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Notably, we discuss multiple bioactive factors (CGRP, SP, VIP, NE, NPY, Sema3A, NGF) for their roles in mediating neural regulation of bone. Additionally, neuro-bone crosstalk in the mandible is examined in an integrated way. This review offers a deeper understanding of mandibular homeostasis modulated by nerves and thus seeks to facilitate future clinical translation.