Lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve with simultaneous implant placement: a modified technique.
OBJECTIVE
Several nerve repositioning techniques have ben presented in the literature, each with limitations. This article presents a new technique involving the use of 2 osteotomies, with minimizes particularly the potential duration of sensory disruption and the risk of nerve paresthesia and inadvertent nerve transection or compression.


METHODS
Ten patients ranging in age from 47 to 67 years were selected for nerve lateralization utilizing the modified technique. A total of 23 cylindrical implants were placed. An average follow-up period was 29.8 months.


RESULTS
Of the 10 patients, 4 experienced total return of sensation within 3 to 4 weeks. One patient experienced complete recovery at 6 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Creating 2 osteotomies as described minimizes the chances for postoperative neuropraxia and nerve paresthesia or anesthesia.


CONCLUSIONS
When there is moderate-to-severe bone resorption of the mandible posterior to the mental foramen, repositioning the inferior alveolar nerve using both an anterior and posterior osteotomy allows for more bone to accommodate ideal placement and greater length of implant.
Peleg
Michael
M
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Mazor
Ziv
Z
Chaushu
Gavriel
G
Garg
Arun K
AK
D000368:Aged; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries
D015921:Dental Implants