A Precise Radiographic Method to Determine the Location of the Inferior Alveolar Canal in the Posterior Edentulous Mandible: Implications for Dental Implants. Part 1: Technique

In severely atrophic or osteoporotic mandibles, the location of the inferior alveolar nerve may vary considerably, both superoinferiorly and mediolaterally. A clinician's ability to reliably locate this nerve within the mandible would permit the surgical planning of implant placement in the posterior edentulous mandible. Eight edentulous cadaver mandibles were studied. A technique that precisely locates the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandible is described. The technique will aid the surgeon in planning a surgical approach to the posterior mandible with reduced risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. Keywords: buccolingual position, inferior alveolar nerve, posterior mandibular dental implants