Complication during implant surgery mimicking mandibular nerve damage

Inferior alveolar nerve is the most critical anatomical landmark to be considered while placing mandibular posterior implant. Nevertheless, as more implant surgeries are performed, and in spite of accurate measurement of the available bone and computer-based navigational systems, accidents do occur. Moreover, an unexpected displacement of the implant or its armamentarium can damage the adjacent structures. This article presents a case where the implant depth gauge slipped into the medullary space mimicking a situation similar to inferior alveolar nerve injury. The importance of presurgical evaluation and precaution to prevent such happenings are also discussed.