ABSTRACT
Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) mobilization for patients suffering from severe vertical bone loss is a viable treatment option However, the technique has been used for over 20 years, it has the potential for postsurgical neurosensory changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the piezoelectric assisted IAN lateralization and simultaneous implant placement in resorbed mandibular posterior ridges.
Material and methods: Ten patients with posterior mandibular ridge atrophy in need for (IAN) lateralization and immediate implant placement were selected to participate within this study.
Results: The pin tactile discrimination test showed normal sensory function of the inferior alveolar nerve from the 3rd months postoperative (100%) in all patients, Unlike the two-point discrimination test where the inferior alveolar nerve function was (25%) at the 3rd month postoperative then increased to be (50%) at the 6th month postoperative. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) mean values were discovered to be statistically significant increasing immediately postoperative, 3 and 6 months later in all implants. Finally, there was an increase in bone density around the installed implant.
Conclusion: Although the current surgical modality is a technique sensitive, it may be a less risky procedure through the proper preoperative CBCT planning and the use of piezoelectric surgical device.