Incidence of Neurosensory Disturbance and Success Rates of Solid-Screw Implants Placed in Conjunction with Inferior Alveolar Nerve Transposition.

BACKGROUND: Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation of a severely atrophic posterior mandibular alveolar ridge is a real challenge. Implant placement in such situations is very difficult and implies the risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of neurosensory disturbance and the cumulative survival of dental implants placed after the IAN transposition (IANT) procedures followed by dental implants placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty International Team for Implantology implants were placed in eight patients following unilateral IANT. In two patients, nerve transposition was performed bilaterally, and hence, a total of 10 IAN transposition surgeries were performed. Neurosensory dysfunction was objectively evaluated by using light touch test (LT), pain test (PT), and 2-point discrimination test (2-DT). In addition, patients were asked to answer a short questionnaire to investigate the individual feeling of discomfort and advantages related to this surgical technique. The mean follow-up periods were 47.1 months (range 12-78 months). RESULTS: Neurosensory disturbance (i.e., disturbance registered by the LT, PT, and 2-DT tests) was experienced in 2 of 10 cases. The cumulative implant survival was 100%. However, at the time of data analysis (12-79 months after surgery), all patients indicated that they would go through the surgery again. CONCLUSION: IANT can permit the placement of implants with adequate length and good initial stabilization as used in routine sites, with the same favorable prognosis. All patients felt that they had received benefits from their new prostheses in terms of improved comfort, chewing efficiency, and esthetics.

A Split-Mouth Design Comparison for Lateral and Crestal Sinus Lift Techniques with Dental Implants Placements: Short Communication.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of implant placement and patient appraisal for two sinus lift techniques using both crestal and lateral techniques for bilateral sinus left in a split-mouth design. INTRODUCTION: All implants were successfully osseointegrated without any clinical complications or peri-implant radiolucency during the follow-up period of maximum 3 years. METHODS: In terms of outcomes postoperative vertigo showed to be a major concern with the crestal approach, this approach is preferred over the lateral technique because of the reduced time required for the procedure and because it is less invasive. RESULTS: Most patients preferred the crestal approach over the lateral approach due to the delay in implant placement.