Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
Nerve Repositioning at London Dental Specialists: Our Dental Clinic in London, England of United Kingdom offers advanced surgical solutions for patients requiring dental implants in the lower jaw where insufficient bone exists above the inferior alveolar nerve. This sophisticated procedure involves carefully repositioning the nerve that provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, enabling successful placement of dental implants in areas previously deemed unsuitable.
Our specialist oral surgeons employ precise techniques to temporarily relocate the inferior alveolar nerve, creating adequate space for dental implant placement whilst preserving nerve function. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with significant bone loss in their posterior mandible (lower jaw) who wish to avoid wearing removable dentures. Through careful planning and execution, we can help restore your smile with permanent, fixed dental implants whilst maintaining natural nerve sensation in your lower face.
At London Dental Specialists, we understand the complexity of nerve repositioning and provide comprehensive care throughout your treatment journey. Our state-of-the-art facility utilises advanced imaging technology to precisely plan your procedure, ensuring optimal implant placement and nerve protection. This innovative solution allows us to help patients who may have previously been told they were not candidates for dental implants due to insufficient bone height above the nerve canal.
At London Dental Specialists, our nerve repositioning procedure for dental implants follows a carefully structured process designed to ensure optimal results and patient comfort. The journey begins with a thorough consultation and assessment, followed by the creation of a personalised treatment plan. Our specialists perform the precise surgical procedure of repositioning the inferior alveolar nerve, which enables secure implant placement in the lower jaw where bone height is limited. Throughout the process, from initial planning to post-treatment care, our team provides comprehensive support and monitoring to ensure proper healing and restoration of dental function.
The initial consultation for nerve repositioning at London Dental Specialists begins with a comprehensive assessment of your dental condition. Our specialist dental team will evaluate your specific case to determine if nerve repositioning is the most suitable treatment for your dental implant needs.
During your consultation, we conduct a thorough examination that includes:
Our specialists will carefully explain the entire nerve repositioning procedure and discuss:
The consultation concludes with a personalised treatment plan that outlines:
You'll have ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns with our specialist team, ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable before proceeding with the treatment.
Our custom treatment plan for nerve repositioning dental implants begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your specific case. During this crucial planning phase, our specialists will create a detailed surgical strategy tailored to your unique anatomical structure and dental needs.
The treatment plan involves several key components that we carefully consider:
Our specialists will thoroughly explain the following aspects of your personalised treatment:
During your consultation, we will address any concerns and explain how the nerve repositioning procedure will create adequate space for your dental implants whilst protecting the vital nerve structures in your lower jaw. This ensures you have a complete understanding of the treatment journey ahead.
We provide you with comprehensive written documentation of your treatment plan, including:
Nerve repositioning treatment procedures involve carefully moving the inferior alveolar nerve to allow for dental implant placement in the lower jaw. This specialised surgical technique is performed when there isn't sufficient bone above the nerve canal for standard implant placement.
The procedure begins with detailed 3D imaging and planning to map the exact location of the nerve and surrounding structures. Our surgical team uses advanced CBCT scans to create a precise surgical guide for the procedure.
During the treatment, the following key steps are performed:
The post-procedure recovery period typically involves:
Our surgical team employs microsurgical techniques and specialised instruments to ensure maximum precision during the procedure. This approach helps maintain the nerve's integrity while achieving optimal implant positioning for long-term success.
Post-treatment care following nerve repositioning surgery is crucial for optimal healing and recovery. Our dedicated team at London Dental Specialists provides comprehensive support throughout your recovery journey, backed by our 10-year warranty on dental implants.
During the initial recovery period, you should:
It's normal to experience:
Contact our clinic immediately if you experience:
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress. These appointments are essential for ensuring proper recovery and addressing any concerns you may have during the healing process.
Long-term care includes:
For any concerns or questions during your recovery period, our specialist team is available to provide support and guidance. Your successful recovery is our priority at London Dental Specialists.
Nerve repositioning for dental implants is a specialized surgical procedure that involves carefully moving the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) - the nerve responsible for sensation in your lower lip and chin - to allow for dental implant placement in the posterior lower jaw. This procedure becomes necessary when there isn't enough bone height above the nerve canal to safely place dental implants in the back portion of the lower jaw.
The procedure involves making a precise window in the outer layer of jawbone to access the nerve canal, carefully moving the nerve bundle laterally (to the side), placing the dental implants, and then allowing the nerve to return to its position near the newly placed implants. This technique enables implant placement in areas that would otherwise be impossible due to anatomical limitations.
Our 10-year warranty provides peace of mind for patients undergoing this advanced procedure. Post-operative care includes careful monitoring of sensation recovery and following specific aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Nerve repositioning surgery for dental implants carries specific risks including temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the lower lip and chin area. Recovery typically takes 3-6 months, during which patients may experience varying degrees of sensory disturbance as the nerve heals and adapts to its new position.
The procedure involves carefully moving the inferior alveolar nerve to allow for dental implant placement in the lower jaw. Initial healing takes about 2 weeks for soft tissue recovery, though nerve sensation changes can persist longer.
Our 10-year warranty covers both dental implants and endodontic procedures, providing peace of mind throughout your recovery journey. Should you experience any concerns during recovery, our specialist team is available for support and follow-up care.
Nerve repositioning for dental implants typically becomes necessary when there is less than 6-8mm of bone height remaining above the inferior alveolar nerve canal in the lower jaw. This measurement is critical because dental implants generally require at least 10mm of viable bone for stable placement, with a minimum 2mm safety margin above the nerve canal.
The amount of bone loss that necessitates nerve repositioning varies among patients, but generally occurs when severe atrophy has reduced the vertical bone height to less than 8mm above the nerve canal. This condition is commonly seen in patients who have been missing their posterior lower teeth for an extended period.
| Bone Loss Severity | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|
| Mild (>10mm remaining) | Standard implant placement |
| Moderate (8-10mm remaining) | Short implants may be considered |
| Severe (<8mm remaining) | Nerve repositioning typically required |
Post-treatment care is crucial for optimal healing. Patients should maintain regular follow-up appointments and contact London Dental Specialists immediately if they experience any unusual sensations. Our 10-year warranty provides peace of mind for this advanced surgical procedure.
Several alternative treatments exist when nerve repositioning surgery isn't suitable for dental implants. The most common option is short dental implants, which are specifically designed to fit in areas with limited bone height above the inferior alveolar nerve. These shorter implants can often be placed without interfering with the nerve structure while still providing stable support for replacement teeth.
Another viable alternative is bone grafting combined with strategic implant placement. This technique involves adding bone material to specific areas of the jaw, allowing for implant placement that avoids the nerve canal entirely whilst maintaining proper tooth positioning.
All dental implant solutions at London Dental Specialists come with our comprehensive 10-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind regardless of the treatment path chosen.
For nerve repositioning procedures in dental implant surgery, patients should seek a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist with specific expertise in nerve manipulation and dental implantology. The surgeon should possess advanced postgraduate qualifications in oral surgery, along with substantial experience in complex implant cases and nerve procedures. Fellowship training in implant dentistry and documented experience with inferior alveolar nerve repositioning are essential credentials to look for.
The ideal surgeon should be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and hold memberships in prestigious professional bodies such as the Royal College of Surgeons. They should be able to demonstrate extensive experience specifically with nerve repositioning procedures and maintain regular continuing education in advanced implant techniques.
At London Dental Specialists, our surgeons provide comprehensive post-operative support and back our nerve repositioning procedures with a 10-year warranty on dental implants. Patients should always verify their surgeon's experience with this specific procedure and ask to see examples of similar cases they have completed.
| Key Considerations | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Surgical Experience | Ensures proper nerve handling and reduced risk of complications |
| Advanced Technology | Enables precise nerve location and careful repositioning |
| Emergency Support | Access to immediate care if needed during recovery |
The healing process after nerve repositioning surgery for dental implants typically takes 4-6 months for initial recovery, with complete nerve healing potentially extending up to 12-18 months. During the first few weeks, patients experience numbness and altered sensation in the lower lip and chin area as the repositioned inferior alveolar nerve begins to heal.
The recovery timeline varies depending on factors such as the extent of nerve manipulation, individual healing capacity, and whether the procedure involved nerve lateralization or transposition. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks, though sensation changes may persist.
Our 10-year warranty provides peace of mind throughout your recovery journey. Patients should maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing.
Before undergoing nerve repositioning surgery for dental implants, comprehensive diagnostic imaging and tests are essential to ensure safe and precise procedure planning. The primary diagnostic tool is a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, which provides detailed 3D images of the inferior alveolar nerve's position, bone density, and surrounding anatomical structures.
Additional diagnostic requirements include panoramic X-rays and detailed nerve mapping to assess the exact location and course of the inferior alveolar nerve through the mandibular canal. These imaging techniques help determine the available bone height above the nerve and identify any anatomical variations that could affect the surgery.
During a nerve repositioning consultation at London Dental Specialists, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment that begins with detailed 3D imaging of their jaw structure and nerve pathways. The initial consultation involves a thorough examination of the inferior alveolar nerve position, bone density measurements, and evaluation of the patient's dental and medical history to determine their suitability for the procedure.
The assessment process typically includes advanced CBCT scans to precisely map the nerve's location and create detailed surgical guides. Your specialist will explain how the inferior alveolar nerve, which provides sensation to your lower lip and chin, will be carefully repositioned to accommodate dental implants while maintaining its function.
Recovery expectations and post-operative care will be thoroughly explained during your consultation, ensuring you're fully informed before proceeding with the treatment.
To schedule a consultation for nerve repositioning surgery and dental implants at London Dental Specialists, simply contact our clinic directly by phone or through our online booking system. Our experienced team will arrange an initial consultation where we'll assess your specific case, discuss your concerns, and perform a comprehensive examination including necessary imaging studies.
During your first visit, our specialists will evaluate your jaw structure, nerve position, and determine if nerve repositioning is the most suitable option for your dental implant treatment. We'll create a personalised treatment plan that outlines the entire procedure timeline and recovery process.
All our dental implant treatments come with a 10-year warranty for your peace of mind. Our team is available for support throughout your entire treatment journey and beyond.
Nerve repositioning surgery with dental implants at London Dental Specialists typically costs between £3,000 to £5,000, though exact prices vary based on individual case complexity and the number of implants needed. This specialised procedure includes both the nerve repositioning surgery and the dental implant placement, performed by our experienced oral surgeons in London.
We understand that this represents a significant investment in your oral health, which is why we back our dental implants with a comprehensive 10-year warranty. Our team provides detailed treatment plans during your initial consultation, outlining all associated costs and timeline expectations.
| Treatment Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 1-2 visits |
| Nerve Repositioning Surgery | 1 day |
| Healing Period | 3-6 months |
| Implant Placement | 1 day |
| Final Restoration | 2-3 visits |
Post-operative care following nerve repositioning surgery at London Dental Specialists includes comprehensive monitoring and support throughout your recovery journey. Our team provides 24/7 emergency contact details and scheduled follow-up appointments to track your healing progress, ensuring any concerns are addressed promptly.
The initial recovery period typically requires careful attention to specific post-operative instructions, including medication management and dietary modifications. Our specialists offer detailed guidance on managing swelling, discomfort, and temporary numbness that may occur in the chin and lower lip area.
