Neurosensory Disturbance of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve After 3025 Implant Placements.

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) lesion and duration of sensitivity disturbances after the insertion of dental implants.

METHODS

One thousand sixty-five patients (mean age: 58.9 years) enrolled between February 2004 and July 2015 with partial or full mandibular edentulism were selected to receive dental implants for oral rehabilitation. A total of 3025 implants were placed. After surgical procedures, controls were scheduled at suture removal, that is, 10 days after surgery, and repeated at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months, and comprised patient interview, clinical examination, and sensitivity tests.

RESULTS

Only 23 (2.2%) of the 1065 patients presented sensitivity disturbances 1 month after implant insertion, and only 2 (0.19%) after 6 months, though a complete recovery was observed in these patients within 13 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the debilitating effects resulting from IAN lesion and the complexity of the therapeutic diagnostic protocols, all patients undergoing oral rehabilitation through dental implants should be evaluated with CBCT imaging.