Indirect Compressive Injury to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Caused by Dental Implant Placement

Abstract

Nerve-related complications have been reported frequently in dental implantation and the most frequent injury involves the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Previously published studies on nerve injury after dental implant surgery have focused on direct injury from surgical instruments or from the dental implant itself. However, an indirect compressive injury to the IAN has not been reported. The diameter of the drill is smaller than that of the dental implant. This size difference makes for a tight fit between the dental implant and the bone hole. In addition, it increases the initial stability of the dental implant. 1 Greenstein G. Tarnow D. The mental foramen and nerve: Clinical and anatomical factors related to dental implant placement: A literature review. J Periodontol. 2006; 77: 1933 Crossref PubMed Scopus (256) Google Scholar During placement of the implant, cancellous bone is inevitably compressed. If the IAN courses close to the dental implant and is not protected by the nerve canal, it can be injured. 2 Flanagan D. Delayed onset of altered sensation following dental implant placement and mental block local anesthesia: A case report. Implant Dent. 2002; 11: 324 Crossref PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar