Techniques of inferior alveolar nerve transpositioning for implant placement- a review of literature

Currently, dental implants are the most recommended treatment plan for edentulous ridges. Edentulous ridges tend to pose anatomical limitations owing to residual ridge resorption and adjacent anatomical structures, making the treatment plan challenging and costly for patients. Residual ridge resorption in the edentulous posterior mandible can result in a higher position of the inferior alveolar canal and its contents, posing a challenge for the installation of dental implants in the region. Various treatment plans have been suggested, such as bone grafting, the use of short dental implants, distraction osteogenesis, and repositioning of the inferior alveolar nerve. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the use of inferior alveolar nerve repositioning, the surgical anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve, current surgical techniques, and anticipated postoperative complications. It was concluded that all techniques used for inferior alveolar nerve repositioning have high success rates when precise treatment planning and surgical procedures are applied.