Nerve Repositioning for Dental Implant SuccessDental implants are among the most recommended treatments for teeth replacement. Anyone with healthy jaws and no significant medical concerns can get dental implants. However, some patients might not have adequate bone mass in the lower jaw, exposing the inferior alveolar nerve and impeding implant placement. If you fall under this category, you may require bone augmentation and nerve repositioning for dental implant success without compromising sensation. Our oral surgeon at Advanced Center for Oral Surgery, Facial Surgery and Dental Implants can perform nerve repositioning to address your concerns and prepare you for a dental implant procedure. What Is Nerve Repositioning?Dental implant placement has witnessed tremendous breakthroughs, making it safer and more predictable. One notable advancement is nerve repositioning or lateralization. As the name implies, this surgical procedure involves shifting the alveolar nerve in your lower jaw so that your dental implants do not damage it during placement. The inferior alveolar is a sensory nerve. It is responsible for providing sensation to the lower face, teeth, and lower lip. However, the alveolar nerve might obstruct dental implant placement if you have insufficient bone volume in your lower jaw. Nerve repositioning creates space, allowing our oral surgeon to place longer dental implants into your lower jaw without harming the nerve, resulting in positive outcomes. Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Nerve Repositioning?Not all patients require nerve repositioning. We only recommend this surgical procedure to candidates with multiple missing teeth and significant bone loss in the lower jaw. You might be a suitable candidate for nerve repositioning if you have inadequate bone density in your lower jaw, particularly along the posterior region, or have severe bone atrophy or resorption in the lower jaw. Our oral surgeon will perform various imaging tests to determine if you are eligible for nerve repositioning before dental implant placement. What to Expect During Nerve RepositioningNerve repositioning is part of pre-prosthetic surgery. It prepares patients for procedures like bone grafting and dental implant placement. After conducting thorough imaging tests and determining your eligibility, we will schedule you for treatment. The procedure starts with incising the gum tissues to access the jawbone beneath. Our surgeon will then drill a tiny hole in the bone to reach the canal housing the inferior alveolar. The surgeon then gently moves the nerve, creating ample space for implant placement. After inserting the implant, the hole in the jawbone is filled with a bone graft. The last step entails suturing the incision on the gum. Our oral surgeon will prescribe the appropriate medications and aftercare guidelines to help alleviate discomfort, prevent infections, and aid your recovery. Nerve Repositioning BenefitsNerve repositioning or lateralization has several benefits. It prepares patients for dental implants. The procedure shifts the alveolar nerve, ensuring your sensory feelings remain intact. It also minimizes the risk of complications or dental implant failure. Contact Our Practice TodayNerve repositioning can be a delicate procedure. However, our oral surgeons have years of experience in performing this pre-prosthetic dental surgery with immense success. Contact Advanced Center for Oral Surgery, Facial Surgery and Dental Implants at (224) 341-5517 to learn more about nerve repositioning and to book an appointment with our team. |