A MODIFIED TECHNIQUE OF INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE REPOSITIONING: RESULTS IN 11 PATIENTS

Abstract

Most often in the posterior of the mandible of patients who need implants, the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is too high to insert the implants, and the surgeons have to reposition IAN. In conventional techniques (to make the windows in the buccal aspect of the mandible) removal of the corticocancellous bone may cause weakness of the mandible. Here we present a new technique in which the bone is removed to a lesser extent and the IAN is best protected by the curet. This new technique is called the guard technique. As a primary report, evaluation of 11 patients (who were treated by this technique) is reported. There were few complications and IAN function was preserved in all patients. The mean time which the patients had temporary anesthesia was 7.3 days and the mean time that complete function of the nerve was returned was 3.3 months. Meanwhile the surgeon should also make an effort to make surgery and osteotomy far from the IAN. Most of the surgeons always avoid involving the IAN in a mandibular surgery; therefore, sometimes, they have to replace the IAN. Primary results of the new technique are promising.