Infraorbital nerve and vessels
The infraorbital nerve exits through the infraorbital foramen. This foramen and the neurovascular contents are within 5 to10mm of extremely resorbed maxilla. When applying onlay grafts which expose the entire maxilla, the implant dentist must be aware of the situation. Fixation screws or implants may cause paraesthesia when inserted through the graft and into this structure. Subperiosteal implants designed for atrophied maxilla should not extend into the site of the infraorbital nerve and vessels.