Nerve Repositioning

Our goal as expert oral surgeons is to ensure a safe surgical procedure with optimal outcomes. This means avoiding nerves and other facial structures during dental implant placement. The inferior alveolar nerve, which is located in the lower jaw, is sometimes in the path of where a dental implant would be placed. To avoid damaging this nerve, we reposition it during the procedure.

Dr. Liberty performs nerve repositioning in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Auburn, CA, as part of dental implant treatment when necessary. Schedule your appointment to begin your dental implant journey by contacting our team at Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery today.

Is Nerve Repositioning Necessary?

The inferior alveolar nerve gives feeling to the lower lip and chin. If you plan on receiving a dental implant in the lower jaw near the two back molars or second premolars, the nerve may be in the path of the dental implant post. In these cases, nerve positioning is necessary to avoid striking or damaging the nerve during implant placement. Repositioning a nerve is often considered an aggressive approach and we may try to avoid it by using a different type or size of implant.

How Is Nerve Repositioning Performed?

Nerve repositioning is performed in conjunction with dental implant surgery. Prior to your procedure, you will meet with one of our oral surgeons to talk about your oral health needs. We will design a custom treatment plan and by using advanced 3D imaging, we will determine if you will require nerve repositioning as a part of your treatment.

Many patients undergo IV sedation during dental implant surgery. Therefore, you will not feel pain during the procedure or the nerve repositioning process. Sometimes we perform nerve repositioning separately from dental implant placement, in which case we will help you choose the right type of anesthesia for your comfort.

To perform nerve repositioning, your oral surgeon will expose the nerve and vessel canal and gently pull it to the side. Your surgeon will then place the dental implant and place the nerve and vessel canal back over the implant. To refill the area where we accessed and moved the nerve, we will insert bone grafting material and close the surgical site.

Nerve repositioning is an effective way to avoid nerve damage and ensure optimal dental implants. Our surgeons also offer natural growth factors to expedite the healing process with bone grafting treatment. Learn about BMP and PRP treatment on our Bone Grafting page.

Nerve Repositioning in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Auburn, CA

At Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery, we specialize in implant-based tooth restoration and ensuring outstanding results for our patients. Contact us in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or Auburn, CA, for a consultation. Our board-certified oral surgeons will create your custom treatment plan and determine if nerve repositioning will be a part of your restorative treatment.