Inferior Alveolar Nerve Transposing in a Situation with Minimal Bone Height: A Clinical Report
Previous studies have indicated that at least 5 mm of bone is needed above the canal when performing transposing of the inferior alveolar nerve (TIAN). In this clinical report, TIAN was performed in a situation where minimal (<2 mm) bone height was present above the canal of the IAN. Preoperative examination with computerized tomography scan revealed 2 mm of bone above the canal at the area of teeth #18 to #20, #30, and #31. The TIAN was performed by opening a lateral access window along the lateral side of the mandible. Five threaded hydroxyapatite-coated root form implants were placed at the area of teeth #18 to #20, #30, and #31. Autogenous bone from the lateral access window that was removed en block was particulated and placed around the implants. A resorbable collagen membrane was placed around the graft material. Implants were restored with cement-retained implant-supported metal-ceramic crowns. Three-year postloading examination revealed minimal bone loss (<1 mm).Abstract
Contributor Notes
Periklis Proussaefs, DDS, MS, is an assistant professor in the Graduate Program in Implant Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif, and is in private practice with an emphasis on implant and prosthetic dentistry in Encino, Calif. Address correspondence to Dr Proussaefs at Graduate Program in Implant Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA 92350 (pProussaef@hotmail.com).