Whenever someone needs dental implants, they will likely discuss the potential risks and preparatory steps that need to take place with their dentist or oral surgeon. Also, if you want to prepare and budget correctly, you can talk to your medical practitioner and ask questions about expectations and issues you may experience throughout the process. During these conversations, your dentist may discuss the potential need to prepare through nerve repositioning. But just what is nerve repositioning, and when is it necessary?
If you are worried about your health and want to feel prepared before undergoing dental implant procedures, we can help. The dentists and oral surgeons at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group dedicate themselves to supporting their patients and making them feel comfortable and heard. You can trust our team to prioritize your safety and well-being throughout the process. Patients across New Jersey trust us to work on their smiles and improve their oral health, and we can do the same for you.
What Is Nerve Repositioning?
Nerve repositioning, also called nerve lateralization, is only used very rarely and during situations where dental implants are needed in the lower jaw. While there are other circumstances where nerve lateralization may be necessary or helpful, these are few and far between. If you are concerned that you will need to undergo nerve repositioning, you should know that it is extremely unlikely.
Dental implants take up a certain amount of space along the jaw, meaning that small spaces between nerves may interfere with dental implant procedures. Generally, nerve repositioning refers to moving nerves around within the mouth to allow additional space for dental implants. However, nerve repositioning also includes moving nerves back into the appropriate place. Often, nerves will be placed on top of the implant and surgical incisions are filled with bone grafting material before being closed up.
Nerve repositioning can be aggressive and may even negatively impact the jaw and surrounding lower lip. An experienced and careful surgeon will need to carry out this procedure to minimize potential risks. If you need help finding a trustworthy surgeon for your nerve repositioning procedure, we recommend speaking with one of our talented and dedicated oral surgeons.
When Is Nerve Repositioning Necessary?
Nerve repositioning is generally not necessary, but there are some rare circumstances where it may be helpful. For example, the most common case where this procedure is needed is when a patient does not have sufficient jaw bone over some of their nerves for a dental implant. Nerve repositioning can help prevent unnecessary pain for a patient who needs dental implants in the long run, allowing for many individuals to improve their smile and oral health even when their jaw bone has deteriorated.
Jaw bone deterioration is most commonly due to aging or a long period of time without teeth in the area. Both of these make deterioration in the jaw far more likely, so we recommend receiving dental implants as quickly as possible after you lose a tooth. This will reduce the amount of deterioration in the affected area.
Get the Smile You Want With Help From Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group in New Jersey
If you need assistance with your dental implants, including preparation not exclusive to nerve repositioning, we can give you valuable assistance. Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group is dedicated to using the best practices and providing excellent care to our patients. We know how important a person’s smile is and how oral health can impact their everyday life.
To get in contact with us, call (908) 663-5309 or complete our contact form. We are excited to help reduce any pain you may be experiencing and work towards your smile goals.
