Dental implant placement depends on the availability of bone. In the case of missing lower molars, bone is usually sufficient but it is complicated by the fact that there is a nerve running through the back of the lower jaw. This nerve, known as the inferior alveolar nerve and commonly referred to as the inferior dental nerve (IDN), provides sensation to the lower lip. When this nerve is located too close to the crest of the edentulous jaw, it leaves very little bone for placemetn of implants. In this situation, the nerve must be moved aside before implants can be placed. This is a procedure commonly known as nerve lateralization or tranposition.
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A 30 year old patient male patient lost his lower front teeth due to a motorcycle accident one year ago. The bone supporting the teeth was also destroyed in the process. One year later, he presented for reconstruction of the lost bone and teeth.