Virtual surgical planning of inferior alveolar nerve microsurgery and benign pathology of the mandible: case reports

Abstract

: With the aid of virtual surgical planning (VSP) software as well as 3-dimensional printing technology, custom surgical guides can be created utilizing the pre-operative data of patients, including both computed tomography and intraoral scans. VSP technology allows for the customization of surgical guides which can provide an array of benefits that aid in improving patient care. Surgical guides can be designed as occlusal borne, bone borne, or a combination of the two. Though an intraoral scan is beneficial to bolster surgical guide accuracy, it is not necessary, as demonstrated in the following case presentations. This manuscript will demonstrate the use of custom occlusal and bone borne surgical guides that were used for access to the inferior alveolar nerve for exploratory microsurgery as well as two cases necessitating removal of benign pathology within the mandible. Surgical guides aid in improving intraoperative efficiency, in decreasing operating time and in reducing potential surgical trauma. Overall, we expect a decrease in morbidity due to the more predictable nature of guided surgeries. The use of custom surgical guides allows for a more precise and conservative osteotomy, thereby decreasing morbidity. The more efficient and predictive nature of guided surgery aids in patient recovery and surgical outcomes, as well.