Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research
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Trauma to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is one of the complications during surgical procedures in the posterior mandible. Most of the time, this is due to inaccurate assessment of an operator from conventional radiographs. Lately, with the availability of advanced imaging techniques such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), precise location of anatomic structures has become a reality. This study was designed to evaluate the course and position of IAN in relation to the alveolar crest, buccal cortical bone, lingual cortical bone, and inferior border of the mandible using CBCT in South Indian population. ⋯ There is a considerable variation in the position of IAN throughout its course in the mandible. Henceforth, advanced diagnostic images such as CBCT should be strongly recommended in evaluating the position of IAN preoperatively before advanced implant surgical techniques, nerve repositioning, and any other surgical procedures.