Interfacial water morphology in hydrated melanin.

The importance of electrically functional biomaterials is increasing as researchers explore ways to utilise them in novel sensing capacities. It has been recognised that for many of these materials the state of hydration is a key parameter that can heavily affect the conductivity, particularly those that rely upon ionic or proton transport as a key mechanism. However, thus far little attention has been paid to the nature of the water morphology in the hydrated state and the concomitant ionic conductivity. Presented here is an inelastic neutron scattering (INS) experiment on hydrated eumelanin, a model bioelectronic material, in order to investigate its 'water morphology'. We develop a rigorous new methodology for performing hydration dependent INS experiments. We also model the eumelanin dry spectra with a minimalist approach whereas for higher hydration levels we are able to obtain difference spectra to extract out the water scattering signal. A key result is that the physi-sorbed water structure within eumelanin is dominated by interfacial water with the number of water layers between 3-5, and no bulk water. We also detect for the first time, the potential signatures for proton cations, most likely the Zundel ion, within a biopolymer/water system. These new signatures may be general for soft proton ionomer systems, if the systems are comprised of only interfacial water within their structure. The nature of the water morphology opens up new questions about the potential ionic charge transport mechanisms within hydrated bioelectronics materials.

Correction: Feasibility of attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict protein adhesion on polymeric surfaces.

Correction for 'Feasibility of attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict protein adhesion on polymeric surfaces' by S. Mukherjee et al., Analyst, 2019, 144, 1535-1545. DOI.

Feasibility of attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict protein adhesion on polymeric surfaces.

Predicting the degree to which proteins adhere to a polymeric surface is an ongoing challenge in the scientific community to prevent non-specific protein adhesion and drive favourable protein - surface interactions. This work explores the potential of multivariate PLSR modelling in conjunction with Attenuated Total Reflection - Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging to investigate whether experimentally characterised surface chemistry can be used to predict surface protein adhesion. ATR-FTIR spectra were collected on dry and wetted polymeric surfaces, followed by evaluation of adhered fibrinogen on surfaces using the micro bicinchoninic (BCA) protein assay as a reference method. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models were built using IR spectra as the predictor variable. Overall the models built with 'wetted polymer' IR spectra performed better as compared to the models built using 'dry polymer' IR spectra (average coefficient of determination, R2P 0.998, 0.996 respectively), with the lowest error in prediction (4 ± 0.6 µg) for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMPE) as a test surface. This indicates the potential of this method to predict the degree to which protein adhesion occurs on polymeric surfaces using experimentally determined surface chemistry.

Clinical repercussions and epidemiological considerations of supernumerary canines: A 26 case series.

BACKGROUND: To establish the prevalence of supernumerary canines (SNC) in a sector of the population of Madrid (Spain), as well possible complications associated with this unusual developmental variation. STUDY DESIGN: This observational study was performed between 2005 and 2017, among 21,615 patients seeking dental treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid (Spain), and at the Virgen de la Paloma Hospital, Madrid (Spain); 22 patients with 26 SNCs were diagnosed. These 22 patients underwent clinical and radiological exploration, registering patient data. RESULTS: SNCs presented a prevalence of 0.10% of the study population. The supernumerary teeth (SNT) were located in the upper maxilla more frequently (61.54%) than the mandible (38.46%). 69.23% were found to be impacted, also causing the impaction of the permanent canine in 53.85% of these cases. In 15.38%, follicular expansion > 3mm was observed. SNCs were associated with other SNT in only four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite of the fact that the SNCs are usually diagnosed casually in the course of radiological exploration, in the present study over half of them (53.85%) caused impaction of the permanent canine. Early diagnosis allows optimal patient management and treatment planning, with intervention at an appropriate time to prevent complications in development and so reduce later treatment need.

Use of autologous tooth-derived graft material in the post-extraction dental socket. Pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the present pilot study are to compare via CBCT the alveolar contraction suffered both vertically and horizontally between the control group and the group using autologous dental material (ADM), as well as to study the densitometric differences between both post-extraction sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A split-mouth study was performed in n = 9 patients who required two extraction of single-rooted teeth deemed suitable for deferred rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants. Two groups were formed - a control group, in which the post-extraction socket was not filled, and an ADM group, in which the alveolar defect was filled with freshly processed autogenous dental material. Both dimensional and densitometric analyses of the alveoli were performed in both groups immediately after surgery (baseline), as well as 8 weeks and 16 weeks later. RESULTS: The mean height of alveolar bone loss was: VL (Control 1.77 mm, loss of 16.87% of initial alveolar height; ADM 0.42 mm, loss of 4.2% of initial alveolar height), HL-BCB (Control 2.22 mm, ADM 0.16 mm, p= 0.067 at 16 weeks). The mean bone loss of the vestibular width (VL-BCB) was much higher in the control group (1.91 mm at 1 mm, 1.3 mm at 3 mm, and 0.89 mm at 5 mm) than in the ADM group (0.46 mm at 1 mm, 0.21 mm at 3 mm, 0.01 at 5 mm, p=0.098 at 16 weeks). At 16 weeks, densitometric analysis of the coronal alveolar area revealed a bone density of 564.35 ± 288.73 HU in the control group and 922.68 ± 250.82 HU in the ADM group (p=0.045 ). CONCLUSIONS: In light of these preliminary results, autologous dentine may be considered a promising material for use in socket preservation techniques.

Predictive modelling of the water contact angle of surfaces using attenuated total reflection - Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging and partial least squares regression (PLSR).

The static water contact angle (CA) quantifies the degree of wetting that occurs when a surface encounters a liquid, e.g. water. This property is a result of factors such as surface chemistry and local roughness and is an important analytical parameter linked to the suitability of a surface for a given bioanalytical process. Monitoring the spatial variation in wettability over surfaces is increasingly critical to analysts and manufacturers for improved quality control. However, CA acquisition is often time-consuming because it involves measurements over multiple spatial locations, independent sampling and the need for a single instrument operator. Furthermore, surfaces exposed to local environments specific to an intended application may affect the surface chemistry thereby modifying the surface properties. In this study, Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging data acquired from wet and dry polymer surfaces were used to develop multivariate predictive models for CA prediction. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models were built using IR spectra from surfaces presenting differences in the experimentally measured CA in the range 16°-141°. The best performing PLSR models were locally developed and combined to make a global model utilising wet IR spectra which performed well (R2p = 0.98, RMSECV ∼ 5°) when tested on an independent experimental set. This model was subsequently applied to IR spectra acquired from a surface exhibiting spatial differences in surface chemistry and the CA with a reasonable confidence and precision (prediction error within 10°), demonstrating the potential of this method for prediction of the spatially varying CA as a non-destructive in-line process monitoring technique.

Masseter and temporalis muscle electromyography findings after lower third molar extraction.

BACKGROUND: The main clinical application of electromyography is to detect abnormalities in muscle function, to assess muscle activity for purposes of recruitment, and in the biomechanics of movement. OBJECTIVES: To analyze electromyography (EMG) findings for masticatory muscles during chewing following surgical extraction of lower third molars, and to determine any correlation between pain, inflammation, trismus, and the EMG data registered. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 31 patients. Surface EMG was used to study masseter and temporalis muscle function before lower third molar extraction and 72 hours and seven days after surgery. Clinical variables, pain, inflammation, and trismus were registered before and after surgery. RESULTS: Studying the area and size of the masticatory muscles, higher values were found for temporalis than masseter muscles, regardless of the surgical side, which points to the greater involvement of the temporalis muscle in mastication. Comparing the side where surgery had been performed with the non-surgical side, a sharp and statistically significant reduction in amplitude and area were noted on the surgical side reflecting major functional affectation. One week after surgery, amplitude and area had almost returned to base-line values, indicating almost complete recovery. While pain decreased progressively after surgery, inflammation peaked at 72 hours, while mouth opening reached a minimum at this time, returning to normality within the week. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical extraction of lower third molars produces changes to electromyography activity that are more evident during the first hours after surgery and closely related to the intensity of pain suffered and the patient's inflammatory responses, although they are not related to mouth opening capacity.

Association of polymorphisms in growth hormone and leptin candidate genes with live weight traits of Brahman cattle.

Polymorphisms in candidate genes can produce significant and favorable changes in the phenotype, and therefore are useful for the identification of the best combination of favorable variants for marker-assisted selection. In the present study, an assessment to evaluate the effect of 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes on live weight traits of registered Brahman cattle was performed. Data from purebred bulls were used in this assessment. The dataset included birth (BW), weaning (WW), and yearling (YW) weights. A panel of 11 SNP markers, selected by their formerly reported or apparent direct and indirect association with live weight traits, was included in an assessment previously confirming their minimum allele frequency (<0.05). Live weights were adjusted BW (aBW), WW (aWW), and YW (aYW) using a generalized linear model, which included the fixed effects of herd and season of birth and the random effect of the sire and year of birth. An SNP in a growth hormone gene (GH4.1) was significantly related to aWW (P = 0.035) with an estimate substitution effect of 3.97 kg (P = 0.0210). In addition, a leptin SNP (LEPg.978) was significantly associated with aYW (P = 0.003) with an estimate substitution effect of 9.57 kg (P = 0.0007). The results suggest that markers GH4.1 and LEPg.978 can be considered as candidate loci for assisted genetic improvement programs in Mexican Brahman cattle.

Differential Gene Expression Profiles Reflecting Macrophage Polarization in Aging and Periodontitis Gingival Tissues.

Recent evidence has determined a phenotypic and functional heterogeneity for macrophage populations. This plasticity of macrophage function has been related to specific properties of subsets (M1 and M2) of these cells in inflammation, adaptive immune responses and resolution of tissue destructive processes. This investigation hypothesized that targeted alterations in the distribution of macrophage phenotypes in aged individuals, and with periodontitis would be skewed towards M1 inflammatory macrophages in gingival tissues. The study used a non-human primate model to evaluate gene expression profiles as footprints of macrophage variation in healthy and periodontitis gingival tissues from animals 3-23 years of age and in periodontitis tissues in adult and aged animals. Significant increases in multiple genes reflecting overall increases in macrophage activities were observed in healthy aged tissues, and were significantly increased in periodontitis tissues from both adults and aged animals. Generally, gene expression patterns for M2 macrophages were similar in healthy young, adolescent and adult tissues. However, modest increases were noted in healthy aged tissues, similar to those seen in periodontitis tissues from both age groups. M1 macrophage gene transcription patterns increased significantly over the age range in healthy tissues, with multiple genes (e.g. CCL13, CCL19, CCR7 and TLR4) significantly increased in aged animals. Additionally, gene expression patterns for M1 macrophages were significantly increased in adult health versus periodontitis and aged healthy versus periodontitis. The findings supported a significant increase in macrophages with aging and in periodontitis. The primary increases in both healthy aged tissues and, particularly periodontitis tissues appeared in the M1 phenotype.

Is the performance of MRI in preoperative staging of breast cancer independent of clinical and histological factors? A subgroup analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative breast MRI is more useful in patients according to their breast density, age, menopausal status, and biopsy findings of carcinoma in situ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 264 patients treated for breast cancer who had undergone mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI. We compared the size of the tumor on the three techniques and the sensitivity of the techniques for detecting additional lesions both in the overall group and in subgroups of patients classified according to their breast density, age, menopausal status, and histological findings of intraductal carcinoma. The definitive histological diagnosis was used as the gold standard. RESULTS: MRI was the technique that was most concordant with the histological findings for the size of the lesion, and it was also the technique that detected the most additional lesions. With MRI, we observed no differences in lesion size between the overall group and the subgroups in which MRI provided added value. Likewise, we observed no differences in the number of additional lesions detected in the overall group except for multicentric lesions, which was larger in older patients (P=.02). In the subgroup of patients in which MRI provided added value, the sensitivity for bilateral lesions was higher in patients with fatty breasts (P=.04). Multifocal lesions were detected significantly better in premenopausal patients (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: MRI is better than mammography and better than ultrasonography for establishing the size of the tumor and for detecting additional lesions. Our results did not identify any subgroups in which the technique was more useful.

Spontaneous chiral resolution in two-dimensional systems of patchy particles.

Short ranged potentials and their anisotropy produce spontaneous chiral resolution in a two dimensional model of patchy particles introduced in this paper. This model could represent an equimolar binary mixture (racemic mixture) of two kinds of chiral molecules (enantiomers) adsorbed to a bi-dimensional domain where only lateral short ranged interactions are present. Most racemic mixtures undergo chiral resolution due to their spatial anisotropy, the combined effect of long range forces and the thermodynamic conditions. The patchy particles are modeled as a hard disk and four different bonding sites located to produce chirality. Phase behavior and structural properties are analysed using Discontinuous Molecular Dynamics in the canonical ensemble. When the four patchy particles are separated by the angles {60°, 120°, 60°, 120°}, spontaneous chiral resolution is produced, given by the formation of homochiral clusters, if started from the corresponding racemic mixture. Gel behavior is also obtained in all the systems for low temperatures and low densities.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma applied to post-extraction retained lower third molar alveoli. A systematic review.

UNLABELLED: Dental retentions have a high prevalence among the general population and their removal can involve multiple complications. The use of platelet rich plasma has been proposed in an attempt to avoid these complications, as it contains high growth factors and stimulates diverse biological functions that facilitate the healing of soft and hard tissues. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the available scientific evidence related to the application of platelet-rich plasma in the post-extraction alveoli of a retained lower third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of published literature registered in the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and NIH databases. The following categories were included: human randomized clinical studies. Key search words were: platelet rich plasma; platelet rich plasma and oral surgery; platelet rich in growth factors and third molar. RESULTS: Of 101 potentially valid articles, seven were selected, of which four were rejected as they failed to meet quality criteria. Three studies fulfilled all selection and quality criteria: Ogundipe et al.; Rutkowski et al.; Haraji et al. The studies all measured osteoblast activity by means of sintigraphy, and also registered pain, bleeding, inflammation, temperature, numbness as perceived by the patients, radiological bone density and the incidence of alveolar osteitis. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific evidence for the use of PRP in retained third molar surgery is poor. For this reason randomized clinical trials are needed before recommendations for the clinical application of PRP can be made.

Longitudinal outcomes of obeticholic acid therapy in ursodiol-nonresponsive primary biliary cholangitis: Stratifying the impact of add-on fibrates in real-world practice.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid occurs in 40% of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients, affecting survival. Achieving a deep response (normalisation of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and bilirubin ≤0.6 upper limit of normal) improves survival. Yet, the long-term effectiveness of second-line treatments remains uncertain. AIMS: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of obeticholic acid (OCA) ± fibrates. Focusing on biochemical response (ALP ≤1.67 times the upper limit of normal, with a decrease of at least 15% from baseline and normal bilirubin levels), normalisation of ALP, deep response and biochemical remission (deep response plus aminotransferase normalisation). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal, observational, multicentre study involving ursodeoxyccholic acid non-responsive PBC patients (Paris-II criteria) from Spain and Portugal who received OCA ± fibrates. RESULTS: Of 255 patients, median follow-up was 35.1 months (IQR: 20.2-53). The biochemical response in the whole cohort was 47.2%, 61.4% and 68.6% at 12, 24 and 36 months. GLOBE-PBC and 5-year UK-PBC scores improved (p < 0.001). Triple therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid plus OCA plus fibrates) had significantly higher response rates than dual therapy (p = 0.001), including ALP normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, triple therapy remained independently associated with biochemical response (p = 0.024), alkaline phosphatase normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). Adverse effects occurred in 41.2% of cases, leading to 18.8% discontinuing OCA. Out of 55 patients with cirrhosis, 12 developed decompensation. All with baseline portal hypertension. CONCLUSION: Triple therapy was superior in achieving therapeutic goals in UDCA-nonresponsive PBC. Decompensation was linked to pre-existing portal hypertension.

Evaluation of the anaesthetic properties and tolerance of 1:100,000 articaine versus 1:100,000 lidocaine. A comparative study in surgery of the lower third molar.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anaesthetic properties and tolerance of articaine versus lidocaine at equal vasoconstrictor concentration. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 96 male and female patients who underwent surgical treatment of the lower third molar participated. Patients were randomly assigned to articaine hydrochloride with epinephrine 1:100,000 and lidocaine hydrochloride with epinephrine 1:100,000. The variables analysed were latency period, duration of anaesthetic effect, tolerance and adverse reactions. RESULTS: Both the latency period and the duration of anaesthetic effect were greater for articaine, although the differences were not statistically significant. Latency: mean difference of 2.70 ± 2.12 minutes (95%CI of -1.51 minutes - 6.92 minutes). DURATION: mean difference of -33 minutes 5 seconds ± 31 minutes (95% CI -1 hour 35 minutes - 29 minutes). There were 4 adverse events that did not require the patients to be withdrawn from the study. CONCLUSIONS: The anaesthetics in this study have very similar properties for use in surgery and have demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile.

Clinical performance of tooth root blocks for alveolar ridge reconstruction.

This systematic literature review set out to investigate the clinical outcomes of autogenous tooth root blocks used for ridge augmentation: survival rates, block resorption, implant survival, post-surgical complications, and histology findings. This review followed PRISMA guidelines. An automated search was made in four databases, supplemented by a manual search for relevant articles published before December 2020. The quality of evidence provided was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. Seven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. The articles included a total of 136 patients, who received 118 autogenous tooth root blocks and 26 autogenous bone blocks showing block survival rates of 99.15% and 100%, respectively. Tooth root blocks presented a mean bone gain that was similar to autologous bone blocks but showed less resorption. The implant survival rate was 98.32% for autogenous tooth root blocks. Reconstruction of alveolar crests by means of autogenous tooth root blocks appears to be a satisfactory option for single-tooth gaps and low grades of bone atrophy in terms of the survival of the bone block and the implants placed subsequently. More research providing long-term data is needed to confirm these findings.

Occular complications following dental local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of appearance and the factors most commonly associated with ocular complications following dental local anesthesia, also establishing the location and type of anesthesia used. STUDY DESIGN: An indexed search in the Pubmed and Compludoc databases was carried out with the keywords "oral anesthesia", "ocular", "ophthalmologic", "damage", "complications", "injection". We established a limitation that the literature had to have been published after the year 1970. A total of 19 articles were obtained, forming a total sample of 37 patients. The patient's sex, age, nerve anesthetized, type of anesthetic used, ophthalmological complication present, recovery time, treatment and side effects were analyzed. RESULTS: There is a higher involvement of females (77%). The average age was 34.2 years. There was no preference for an anesthetic technique. Diplopia was the most common complication (65%), which coincides with the data from other authors. Almost all of the complications were of a temporary nature, with an average recovery time of 68 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the few studies of its kind in dental literature, it thus being difficult to make precise conclusions. Ophthalmological complications are seldom a problem, diplopia being the most common among them. The authors appear to indicate an intravascular injection of the anesthetic as the cause of the problem, and therefore, it should be avoided in order to prevent accidents at the ocular level.

Meta-analytic study on the frequency and treatment of oral antral communications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimum surgical treatment for oral antral communications (OAC) and to understand the main post-operative complications. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analytical, observational and retrospective study of 1.072 cases of OAC obtained from a literature review of 15 articles. RESULTS: OAC occur slightly more often in men and during the fourth decade of life. Its primary etiological factor is dental extraction, most often affecting the third molar. The most common treatment has been the use of Bichat's fat pad grafts, whereas the technique with the highest percentage of complications has been the use of the palatal rotation flap. The most frequent complication has been the fistulization of the OAC. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of OAC and its treatment within 48 hours of evolution are fundamental in order to properly resolve this pathology. The use of Bichat's fat pad grafts is a simple technique that offers excellent vascularization and results.

Immediate post-extraction implants subject to immediate loading: a meta-analytic study.

UNLABELLED: Since Brånemark first started developing its implant system, there has been a continuous and significant evolution in oral implantology through experimental and clinical research, and many of the concepts that were once considered valid have now become the subject of debate. The insertion of the implant immediately after extraction of the tooth to be substituted has now become the implant treatment of choice and is associated with preserving the bone structure and the gingival architecture, as well as with reducing the treatment time, which ultimately benefits the patient. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success rate of the immediate post-extraction implants (IPI) subject to immediate loading. STUDY DESIGN: A meta-analytic study was carried out on 659 immediate post-extraction implants obtained from a bibliographic review of 25 articles published within the last 9 years. RESULTS: We obtained a sample of 322 patients who had been treated with a total of 659 implants placed immediately following extraction. The mean age of the patients was 51 years old. A total of 441 implants were inserted in the maxilla, 152 in the mandible and 64 were placed in an unspecified location. The survival rate ranged between 85% and 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate post-extraction implant treatment is an implant alternative with a survival rate similar to that of the conventional technique for implant placement and enables preserving both the bone structure and gingival architecture, as well as providing immediate functional loading, thus improving the quality of the treatment as far as the patient is concerned.

Dental implant placement through impacted teeth or residual roots as an alternative to invasive extraction surgeries: a systematic literature review.

This work systematically reviews dental implant placement through impacted teeth or residual roots, as an alternative to invasive extraction surgeries, evaluated in terms of survival rates, marginal bone loss, surgical, and prosthetic complications. The authors conducted an electronic search of four databases up to September 2020; also a complementary handsearch was carried out. The quality of the included studies was assessed using a protocol for assessment of risk of bias in exposure studies. Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analysed. A total of 44 patients received 62 dental implants and were monitored for a minimum of 12-months follow-up. An overall mean implant survival rate was 90.32%, reporting 97.56 % for dental implants through impacted teeth and 76.19% through residual roots. No surgical or prosthetic complications were reported. Placing dental implants through impacted teeth may offer a valid therapeutic option for implant-supported restorations in patients for whom surgery and orthodontic traction are not possible, and/or patients who refuse to undergo more invasive extraction surgery. Moreover, additional caution is recommended when placing implants through retained root fragments, as this may involve long-term risk. Further research generating long-term data are needed to confirm these findings.

Complications associated with inferior alveolar nerve reposition technique for simultaneous implant-based rehabilitation of atrophic mandibles. A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) reposition techniques offer an alternative approach to implant-based rehabilitation in patients with severe mandibular atrophy The aim of this systematic review, was to determine the complications associated with the technique and to determine which of two variants (lateralization or transposition) is less invasive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in databases complimented by a manual search to identify clinical studies investigating complications derived from these surgical techniques. Only studies of adult humans, published in English during the last seven years were included. The initial search located 78 articles, of which seven were included in analysis on the basis of the following characteristics: four investigated inferior alveolar nerve lateralization (IANL), one inferior alveolar nerve transposition (IANT), and two investigated both reposition techniques. RESULTS: This review included data from 289 patients who were recruited for lateralization (N=319) or transposition surgery (N=33) making a total of 352 reposition procedures. Five patients (1.73%) suffered persistent damage to the IAN at the end of the follow-up periods. The overall implant survival rate was 99.26% of a total of 817 implants. The most common complications were neurosensory problems, mandibular fracture, infection, implant loss, and insufficient anatomical reconstruction of the atrophic mandible; neurosensory complications (hypoesthesia, paraesthesia, and hyperesthesia caused by traumatic damage to the nerve) were the most prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: Lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve would appear to be less invasive as it produces lower percentages of persistent neurosensory disorders (1.56%) than transposition (12.12%). Nevertheless, both techniques offer a viable approach to implant placement in edentulous atrophic mandibles, obtaining predictable clinical and radiological results after 5 years implant loading.