Inferior alveolar nerve mobilization using ultrasonic surgery with crestal approach technique, followed by immediate implant insertion: evaluation of neurosensory disturbance

Many techniques are described for atrophied mandibles rehabilitation. This article reports on 12 clinical patients of severely atrophied posterior mandibles. In all the patients, a cone beam is performed before the crestal surgical approach to inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) mobilization. For the realization of this technique the piezosurgery device was used to minimize IAN injuries. With the help of this device the selective cutting of the bone has been possible until IAN exposure, in the implant placement site. At the same time, the authors performed the implant osteotomy and implant placement. After 4 months of healing, all implants were osseointegrated and the implant-supported bridges were done. Evaluation by means of neurosurgery function test over a 36-months period found that all patients had a return to normal sensation, after a brief period of neurosensory disturbance.