A New Classification of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Repositioning Procedures for Dental Implant Placement

Background: Tooth loss significantly impacts the quality of life for adults. Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) repositioning has garnered interest as a treatment for facilitating dental implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior mandible. However, there remains a need for standardization and classification of these techniques to improve outcomes. This study aims to propose a new clinical classification system for IAN repositioning procedures based on anatomical and procedural parameters. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed preoperative radiographic records and surgical procedure documents over a 15-year period (2008-2023) for patients who underwent implant placement combined with IAN repositioning in the posterior atrophic mandible. Cases were classified into four categories according to bone availability, nerve location, and type of surgical intervention. Results: The study analyzed 142 edentulous posterior mandibles in 105 patients (77 women, 28 men; age range: 20-75). The cases were divided into four categories: Category 1 (58 patients, 78 sites), treated with one surgery; Category 2 (15 patients, 15 sites), treated in two stages; Category 3 (20 patients, 25 sites); and Category 4 (12 patients, 24 sites), with Categories 3 and 4 treated in a single surgery. Across all 132 sites, 411 dental implants were placed and restored with implant-supported fixed prostheses. Conclusions: This proposed classification provides a structured systematic framework for assessing and planning IAN repositioning procedures. It facilitates better diagnosis, treatment planning, and prediction of surgical stages in patients needing IAN repositioning for dental implant placement.