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 post-loading examination revealed minimal bone loss (< 1 mm).