Digitally guided alveolar nerve repositioning surgery: a novel approach to the atrophic posterior mandible

Inferior alveolar nerve repositioning is an uncommon surgical procedure performed in oral surgery to safeguard the alveolar nerve during certain dental or reconstructive procedures. While this procedure is generally safe and effective, it is important to understand the potential risks and complications associated. This article presents a computer-guided surgical stent to expedite the surgical accuracy while reducing the risks of nerve injury during alveolar nerve repositioning using local anaesthesia alone. In conclusion, the use of a bone supported guide could improve surgical outcomes, although there is an associated additional cost due to its fabrication. More cases need to be reported to determine the full benefit of a guide in relation to complex oral surgery.