Evaluation of Neurosensory Function following Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization for Placement of Dental Implants – A Case Report

Abstract

Keeping in tune with recent trends, replacement of missing teeth with implant supported prosthesis is gaining preference over various prosthetic options, i.e., removable partial dentures and fixed partial dentures. This is mainly because in addition to inherent inadequacies in rehabilitation fixed partial dentures include the sacrifice of healthy tooth substance of the adjacent teeth.Implants help us to overcome most problems associated with traditional prosthesis. However, in patients with atrophied mandibles sufficiently long implant fixtures cannot be placed because of possible injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). If the distance between alveolar crest and superior border of the inferior alveolar canal is less than 8 mm, it is recommended to carry out lateralization of inferior alveolar nerve to permit placement of longer implants [5]. For IAN nerve lateralization, the IAN is exposed and it is retracted laterally during the implant placement. The nerve is then left back against the implant. In this technique, there is direct handling of the nerve which commonly leads temporary paresthesia of the supplied structures. In this case study, type and duration of neurosensory disturbance was evaluated pre- and post-operatively. Preoperatively a panoramic radiograph and CBCT scan were taken. Neurosensory disturbances were evaluated by the light touch test using Semmes Weinstein monofilaments and the two-point discrimination test every week for one month and monthly over a period of one year or up to such a point where the nerve recovery is complete. The patient reported neurosensory disturbances in the first week: anesthesia, hypoesthesia, burning, pain, pinching, and tickling. Recovery was complete at 6 weeks. These findings indicate that lateralization is a useful method for placing implants in the atrophic posterior mandible with reversible injury to the IAN.

Keywords: Inferior alveolar nerve, dental implant, neurosensory evaluation

Cite this Article

Rathod Mukund S, Kshirsagar Rajesh, Pawar Sudhir et al. Evaluation of Neurosensory Function Following Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization for Placement of Dental Implants – A Case Report. Research and Reviews: Journal of Dentistry. 2015; 6(3):       18–27p.