Inferior Alveolar Nerve Repositioning and Orthognathic Surgery

Background: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) repositioning is a well-known technique in implant dentistry. This invaluable technique can be combined with orthognathic techniques to enhance the effect of orthognathic surgery in some selected cases. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, data were obtained from the archived files of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from 2007 to 2012. Patients undergoing mandibular orthognathic surgery alone or in combination with maxillary surgery were searched. Cases with IAN repositioning were selected. Results: In this study, in 4% of orthognathic surgical procedures involving the mandibular bone, IAN repositioning was indicated. Genioplasty, body ostectomy, total mandibular subapical alveolar osteotomy, and inferior border osteotomy for correction of asymmetric mandibular excess in hemimandibular hyperplasia were in this list. Conclusion: In carefully selected orthognathic patients, IAN repositioning can enhance the effect of orthognathic surgery and should be considered in the treatment plan strategies as an option.