Abstract

Introduction
The use of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) may represent a non-invasive method
to evaluate the sensory nerve function in the maxillofacial region. The aim of this work is to confirm the feasibility of a technique, previously
reported in the literature, and the data previously obtained.

Materials and Methods
SEPs were obtained following electrical stimulation (square wave pulses 0.2 millisecond [ms] in duration, 4 to 6.5 mA, 0.7/second repetition rate, 200 averages) of the gum at the mental foramen level, in the IAN region, via a new designed type of intraoral surface electrodes and recorded from the contralateral central scalp sites.

Results
We recognized waveforms of sufficient quality and consistently recorded a “W”-shaped response. Peak latencies of waves were at 14, 20, 27, 34 and 43 ms respectively. One side of the lower lip can be compared with the contralateral side.

Conclusions
IAN SEPs, obtained with the present technique, may represent an objective, non-invasive, and reliable way of testing sensory nerve function in the maxillofacial region