NERVE REPOSITIONING

When dental implants are placed in the lower jaw, our oral surgeon may need to move the inferior alveolar nerve. Although we can place dental implants with this approach, it is important to be cautious and consider other approaches first because this nerve gives feeling to the lower lip and chin. It is an aggressive procedure, as patients almost always experience some form of postoperative numbness in the lower lip and jaw area, which can subside over time or be permanent.

When teeth are missing in the area of the two back molars and/or second premolars, we may need to provide nerve repositioning in Eagle, Idaho. During this procedure, Dr. Jeremy Hixson will remove a section of check or lower jawbone to expose the nerve. He will then isolate this vessel canal in a bundle and pull it to the side. While being aware of the vessels, we then place the implants and release the bundle over back over the implants.

The surgical passage formed from nerve repositioning often requires a bone graft before the area is closed. There are many types and forms of bone graft material available, and you can work with our oral surgeon prior to your procedure to decide which type of bone graft material is right for you. Procedures involving nerve repositioning are performed in Eagle Oral Surgery and Implant Center’s out-office surgical, and they are performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day, as well as limited physical activity for one week. Please call our office at (208) 995-2865 for more information.