BILATERAL MENTAL NERVE AGENESIS: CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND SENSORY FOLLOW-UP AFTER IMPLANT-PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION

Aim: bilateral agenesis of the mental nerve is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. This case report aims to describe the clinical management and sensory outcomes following prosthetic-implant rehabilitation in a patient with this condition. Methods: a patient with confirmed bilateral mental nerve agenesis underwent thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation, including CBCT imaging to assess mandibular anatomy and confirm the absence of the mental foramina. Baseline sensory function was normal. A minimally invasive implant-supported prosthetic protocol was implemented to restore oral function while preserving neural structures. Surgical planning focused on careful implant positioning to avoid damage to possible accessory neural branches. Postoperative follow-up included neurological assessments and patient-reported sensory outcomes over 12 months. Results: the patient exhibited no initial hypoesthesia. After implant-supported rehabilitation, sensory testing remained normal and progressive functional adaptation to the prosthesis was observed. The patient reported satisfactory masticatory function during follow-up visits. No implant-related complications or adverse effects on mandibular function occurred. Conclusions: prosthetic-implant rehabilitation appears feasible in patients with bilateral mental nerve agenesis when baseline sensation is intact. Careful preoperative planning and multidisciplinary management are essential to ensure optimal functional outcomes and preservation of neural integrity in such rare congenital conditions.