Nerve repositioning is a procedure to ensure that your dental implants are placed properly and help you receive the best results from your implant treatment. Nerve repositioning is intended to make room for your implants and is often combined with bone grafting to help you receive the care you need.
Nerve repositioning may be necessary to allow proper placement of dental implants, particularly in the lower jaw. This procedure is most often recommended when the two back molars or second premolars are missing, and there is not enough space to safely place the implants without affecting the nerve.
To schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Richard Cordero, and learn more about nerve repositioning in Fairhope, Alabama, call Eastern Shore Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center today at 251-577-8302.
When you receive a nerve repositioning procedure, our dentist will move the inferior alveolar nerve to ensure that your implants can be properly placed. This is the nerve that gives feeling to the lower lip and chin. Our dentist will access the jawbone to expose the nerve and vessel canal. The nerve and vessel bundle in that area will be isolated and gently pulled out and to the side to create space for the implant.
Once the nerve is safely repositioned, the dental implant is placed into the jawbone. The nerve bundle is then carefully repositioned back over the implant. The area is filled with bone grafting material to support healing, and finally the surgical site is closed.
Depending on your needs, nerve repositioning, implant placement, and bone grafting may be done together or as separate procedures. After surgery, you’ll need to rest for the entire day. Physical activity should be kept to a minimum for at least one week to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Nerve repositioning is considered a very aggressive approach. There is usually some post-operative numbness of the lower lip and jaw, which should dissipate slowly. In some cases, however, this numbness may be permanent. Our dentist will always consider less aggressive treatment options before recommending a nerve repositioning procedure.
If you have any questions about nerve repositioning in Fairhope, Alabama, or would like to schedule your consultation with our experienced doctor, Dr. Richard Cordero, contact our practice today at 251-577-8302.
251-577-8302