Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:09
Piezo High Accuracy Surgical Osteal Removal (PHASOR): A Technique for Improved Cranial Window Surgery in Mice
Published on: March 2, 2018
Inferior alveolar nerve transposition--an in vitro comparison between piezosurgery and conventional bur use
Marc C Metzger1, K H Bormann, R Schoen
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Marc_Metzger@gmx.net
The Journal of Oral Implantology
|March 11, 2006
Summary
A new piezoelectric device proved more invasive to bone than a conventional bur during inferior alveolar nerve transposition. While both methods caused minor epineurium damage, the piezoelectric device created deeper bone defects and more debris.
Area of Science:
- Oral Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) transposition is crucial for dental procedures.
- Conventional rotary burs can cause significant thermal and mechanical damage.
- Newer piezoelectric devices offer precision but require comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro effects of a piezoelectric device versus a conventional bur on soft and hard tissues during IAN transposition.
- To evaluate bone defect characteristics and nerve injury severity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using 10 sheep cadaver mandibles.
- IANs were exposed using either a saline-cooled diamond bur or a piezoelectric device with a diamond tip.
- Microscopic examination (light and laser) assessed bone surfaces, defect zones, and nerve tissues.
Main Results:
- The conventional bur created significantly smoother bone surfaces and shallower defects (50 µm) compared to the piezoelectric device (150 µm).
- The piezoelectric device resulted in more epineurial lesions and bone particles.
- Both devices caused superficial epineurial roughening upon contact, but deeper structures remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- In vitro, the piezoelectric device was more invasive to bone than the conventional diamond bur.
- While both methods caused minimal nerve injury, the piezoelectric device presented a higher risk of bone-related complications.
