Inferior alveolar nerve lateral transposition.

Purpose: We determined the outcomes of 18 inferior alveolar nerve lateral transposition procedures in 15 consecutive patients. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed.

Results: The surgical protocol for inferior alveolar nerve transposition, followed by implant placement, presented excellent results, with complete recovery of the sensitivity within 6 months after the surgical procedure.

Discussion: Inferior alveolar nerve transposition is an option for prosthetic rehabilitation in cases of moderate or even severe bone reabsorption for patients that do not tolerate removable dentures.

Conclusions: It is concluded that inferior alveolar nerve transposition can be safely and predictably performed with low risk to the mental nerve sensibility. Each patient should be advised of the chance of permanent nerve deficit throughout the distribution of the mental nerve. Alternative restorative solutions should also be considered.