Nerve Repositioning
About Nerve Repositioning
This procedure redirects the jaw nerve (inferior alveolar nerve) to allow for the placement of implants. It is performed when patients do not have enough jawbone above the nerve to accommodate the implants. Since there is almost always some postoperative numbness of the lower lip and jaw area that dissipates very slowly, if ever, this procedure is considered an aggressive approach after all other options are considered.
Surgical Procedure
This surgery can be done at the time the implants are placed or separately, depending on the patient’s condition.
During the procedure, an outer section of the cheek side of the lower jawbone is removed to expose the nerve and vessel canal. The nerves are moved out of the way while the implants are placed, and then released and repositioned back over the implants. The jawbone is filled with bone graft material to facilitate healing.