Nerve Repositioning

If you sustain an injury to your jaw or teeth, you may require dental implant treatments. While the process of implanting a false tooth or prosthetic jaw bone supplements usually goes off without a hitch, there may be instances in which you find yourself in pain or contending with unusual and lingering sensations in your jaw. In this case, you may benefit from nerve repositioning treatments. 

Nerve repositioning treatments allow you to relieve any pain you may feel in your lower jaw. Our team uses specialized techniques to safely reposition your nerves and ensure your long-term comfort. If you need more information about nerve repositioning treatments or have had them recommended to you by a dentist, you can contact the Union City Oral Surgery Group today. 

What You Need to Know About Nerve Repositioning

Nerve repositioning treatments address a nerve known as the inferior alveolar nerve, which is located in your lower jaw. Through this nerve, you receive information about sensations addressing your chin and lower lip. Should you need a dental implant to replace part of your jaw or teeth, this nerve may no longer effectively do its job.

Alternatively, failure to reposition at the inferior alveolar nerve may result in discomfort or pain. In these cases, it’s recommended that patients pursue nerve repositioning. By realigning the inferior alveolar nerve, our team relieves your pain and allows you to regain comfortable sensation in your lower lip and jaw.

The Means Used to Reposition the Nerves in Your Jaw

The procedures used to reposition the inferior alveolar nerve vary depending on the nature of your previous treatments and your preferred practices. In most cases, our team is required to drill a small hole in the jaw bone to access the inferior alveolar nerve. We can then gently remove the nerve from its original position and place it in a more comfortable position.

If Union City nerve repositioning specialists anticipate you may need treatment in this area again, it is easiest for oral surgeons to cap the small hole leading to your nerve with a bone graft.

Patients undergoing nerve repositioning are always sedated and often benefit from general anesthesia. If you have concerns about either of these treatments or about the manner through which we intended to reposition your nerve, you can discuss them with one of our compassionate and experienced oral surgeons.

Side Effects of Nerve Repositioning

The side effects of nerve repositioning treatments vary, often depending on the means used to reposition the nerve. In some cases, you may experience swelling, pain, and even bruising in your jaw for a few days following your treatment. This is why oral surgeons provide patients with pain medication and recommend taking a few days off of work to recover.

Touching your jaw after a nerve repositioning treatment should not cause you pain. If it does, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. 

How to Prepare for Nerve Repositioning Surgery

If you are preparing for nerve repositioning surgery, your medical professionals will recommend steps you should take prior to your treatment. In most cases, this means fasting before your surgery. Whether you need to abstain from food and liquid or only food will depend on any treatments you have had previously and your doctor’s preferences.

It is in the best interest of anyone pursuing nerve repositioning treatments to dress comfortably on the day of their treatment. You should also have someone else available to drive you home in the wake of your surgery, particularly as the anesthesia continues to wear off.

Roughly two weeks following your treatments, you should prepare to meet with your oral surgeons and dentist to assess the effectiveness of your Union City nerve repositioning. Once our team has looked over your jaw, we can discuss additional procedures as needed or address any of your other post-treatment concerns.

Unanticipated Side Effects of Nerve Displacement Surgery

If you find yourself contending with worsening pain in your job and cannot identify the source, let your dentist know today. While you may assume that a dentist only addresses your oral health, this is not the case. Dentists and oral surgeons alike have to understand the inner workings of the jaw and nose. The sooner you’re able to discuss your concerns with a medical professional, the more effective a nerve repositioning treatment will be. 

Learn More About Nerve Displacement Treatments Today

If your dentist recommends you pursue nerve repositioning in the wake of a dental implant, you can discuss the procedure with local oral surgeons. The team in Union City can elaborate on the nature of available treatments and ensure we take the necessary steps to address your needs.

For more information on the process of repositioning the nerves in your jaw, you can contact our Union City office today. We are available to discuss procedures over the phone or through the chatbot on our website. Call (201) 601-9262 or reach out through our online form to learn more today.