Use of Decellularized Nerve Allograft for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Reconstruction: A Case Report

Abstract

Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) has been reported to occur in 0.4% to 22% of patients undergoing routine removal of third molars. 1 Zuniga J.R. LeBanc J.P. Advances in microsurgical nerve repair. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1993; 51: 62 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (31) Google Scholar Within this group, 25% of patients might not have recovered within 1 year of the nerve injury, and up to 0.9% of patients might have permanent injury. 2 Ziccardi V.B. Assael L.A. Mechanisms of trigeminal nerve injuries. Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2001; 9: 1 PubMed Google Scholar Other than the removal of impacted teeth, osteotomies and dental implants are the most common procedures associated with IAN injury. Sacrifice of the IAN can also complicate tumor resections, resulting in anatomic continuity defects of the IAN. Injury to the IAN can cause significant patient morbidity such as bite wounds and burn injuries of the lower lip. Therefore, any treatment that provides functional recovery after IAN injury is of potential value to the patient. In rare and specific situations, procedures such as IAN lateralization or transposition can be performed to avoid nerve injuries.