Mandible

The mandible is the lower jaw — the only movable bone of the skull. It holds the lower teeth and forms the lower part of the face. In implant dentistry, the mandible is generally a more favourable location for implants than the maxilla (upper jaw).

Why mandibular implants are often simpler

• Bone is typically denser and of higher quality than the upper jaw
• No maxillary sinus to navigate
• Bone resorption after tooth loss is less severe than in the upper jaw
• Osseointegration tends to be faster and more reliable

The inferior alveolar nerve

The most important anatomical consideration in the lower jaw is the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the mandible in a canal. Implants must be planned to leave a safe distance (minimum 2mm) above this nerve. CBCT scanning allows precise measurement of this distance.

The chin (symphysis) and ramus

The mandible is also a common donor site for autogenous bone grafting. The chin area (symphysis) and the back of the lower jaw (ramus) can provide useful quantities of bone for augmentation procedures in other sites.