MANAGEMENT OF POST-DENTAL IMPLANT NEUROPATHY: CURRENT THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES AND REGENERATIVE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Post-dental implant neuropathy represents a significant neurosensory complication in contemporary Implant Dentistry, particularly in procedures performed in the posterior mandibular region due to its close anatomical relationship with the inferior alveolar nerve. This study aimed to analyze the main current therapeutic approaches used in the management of post-dental implant neuropathy, as well as to discuss regenerative perspectives related to peripheral neural recovery. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach based on the methodological framework proposed by Whittemore and Knafl. The bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using descriptors related to inferior alveolar nerve injuries, post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy, peripheral nerve regeneration, and regenerative therapies associated with Implant Dentistry. Scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025 were included, in addition to classic studies considered relevant to the understanding of the topic. At the end of the selection process, 16 studies comprised the final sample of the review. The findings demonstrated that post-implant neuropathies present a multifactorial etiology involving mechanical trauma, neural compression, thermal injury, intraneural hemorrhage, and local inflammatory processes. Early diagnosis associated with adequate three-dimensional planning was identified as a fundamental factor for prevention and prognosis. Conservative management based on corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and neurosensory follow-up remains the first-line therapeutic approach, while microsurgical interventions are recommended in refractory or severe neural injuries. Furthermore, regenerative therapies involving PRP, PRF, and CGF have shown promising potential in stimulating peripheral nerve regeneration. It is concluded that the management of post-dental implant neuropathy should be individualized, multidisciplinary, and based on neural injury severity.