Background: In atrophic posterior mandibular areas, where the bone height superior to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is less than 6 mm, short implants are not applicable. Conventional alternatives such as IAN transposition and various alveolar bone augmentation approaches are technically demanding and prone to complications.
Case summary: Computer-guided dynamic navigation implantation improves the accuracy, predictability, and safety of implant placement. This case report presents a dynamic navigation system-guided trans-IAN implant placement technique, which can successfully treat a posterior mandibular dentition defect when the bone height is only 4.5 mm. The implant was inserted into the buccal side of the IAN and was 1.7 mm away from the IAN. The implantation deviations were controlled within a satisfying range, and the long-term restoration outcome was stable.
Conclusion: Dynamic navigation system-guided trans-IAN implant placement might be a recommended technique for patients with extremely insufficient residual bone height and sufficient bone width in the posterior mandibular area.
Keywords: Case report; Dental implant; Dynamic navigation system; Inferior alveolar nerve; Insufficient bone height; Posterior mandible.
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