In-Block Lateralization as a New Technique for Mobilization of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve: A Technique Case Series

Abstract

The edentulous atrophic posterior mandible is often a great challenge for implant rehabilitation. Although a number of treatment options have been proposed, including the use of short implants and surgical grafting techniques, in cases of severe bone atrophy, techniques for mobilization of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) have been shown to be efficient, with good results. Four female patients underwent IAN lateralization for prosthetic rehabilitation of the posterior mandible from 2013 to 2019, with 3 years to 5 years and 3 months of follow-up. This case series describes a new technique for mobilization of the IAN, named in-block lateralization, to facilitate access to the IAN and to reduce nerve manipulation. The implant is immediately installed (allowing nerve lateralization in unitary spaces), and the original mandibular anatomy is restored with autogenous bone from the original bed during the same surgical procedure. When well indicated and well performed, this new approach provides better and easier visualization of the IAN and safer manipulation aiming to achieve good results for implant stability and minimal risk of neurosensory disturbances, allowing rehabilitation even in unitary spaces.

Keywords: dental implants; inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) lateralization; mandibular atrophy.