Implant Placement in Combination With Nerve Transpositioning: Experiences With the First 100 Cases

In patients with extensive bone resorption, implant placement posterior to the mental foramen is a problematic surgical procedure. In 100 patients with edentulism in the posterior part of the mandible, 250 Nobelpharma implants were placed after transposition of the inferior alveolar nerve. Implant survival, marginal bone loss, and neurosensory function were recorded 1 week and 6 months after implant placement. In 91 of the patients, additional examinations were performed at 12 months postoperatively, and 72 of these were followed until 18 months after implant placement. Implant survival rate was 95.2% at 6 months, 94.2% at 12 months, and 93.6% at 18 months postoperatively. During the 12-month period following abutment connection, mean marginal bone loss was 0.3 mm (range 0.1 to 5.1 mm). One week after implant placement, normal neurosensory function was recorded in 21% of the patients, 32% had diminished function, and 47% had no function. Six months postoperatively, 77% had normal function, 21% diminished function, and 2% had no function. At 18 months postoperatively, 94% had normal sensation, 4% had diminished sensation, and 1% had no sensation. Some complications occurred and these are discussed. Indications and contraindications for the procedure are suggested. Keywords: complications, implant, inferior alveolar nerve, nerve transpositioning, surgery