Neurophysiological changes associated with implant-associated augmentation procedures in the lower jaw

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurophysiology
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Investigating neurophysiological changes post-oral surgery is an active research area.
• Assessing the impact of augmentation procedures on sensory function and quality of life is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if implant placement combined with bone augmentation techniques increases sensory disturbances.
• To determine if these procedures impair patient quality of life during healing.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) used for extra- and intraoral assessment.
• Compared Guided Bone Regeneration (Group A) and Customized Bone Regeneration (Group B) with a non-augmentation group (Group C).
• Assessed quality of life and psychological comorbidity using validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mechanical QST parameters for the inferior alveolar nerve were found between augmentation groups and the control group.
• No statistical differences were observed in quality of life or psychological factors (anxiety, depression).

Conclusions:

• Augmentation procedures in oral implantology do not lead to increased sensory disturbances.
• Extended augmentation procedures do not negatively affect neurophysiological pathways, quality of life, or psychological well-being.