Dental implants placed buccally to the mandibular canal in molar regions with severe vertical bone loss: case reports

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar bone loss in posterior regions of the mandible is a serious limiting factor for the installation of osseointegrated dental implants. New surgical procedures are needed to circumvent the lack of vertical bone. Objective: The objective of this study was to present an alternative technique for dental implants in the lateral posterior region of the mandible in patients with severe vertical ridge atrophy Case Reports: Four patients with the specific anatomical characteristics that met the requirements of the technique were selected. Six implants were inserted buccally to the mandibular canal and were restored after at least two months of healing time. The mean follow up period of the implants was 3 years.  No implant was lost during this time.  All of them remained in excellent clinical condition and met the aesthetic criteria and functional demands of occlusion. Conclusion: The technique presented here proved to be minimally invasive, safe, conservative and effective as an alternative treatment option for dental rehabilitation in mandibular posterior regions with severe bone atrophy. However, it requires experience, preparation and skill of the professional in order not to damage the inferior alveolar nerve and at the same time install the implant in the correct position, thus allowing its functional and aesthetic rehabilitation.