Nerve Repositioning in Bellingham

Nerve Repositioning Consultation and Assessment

The first step in nerve repositioning at London Dental Specialists involves a comprehensive consultation and assessment. This crucial phase allows our expert dental surgeons to evaluate your specific case and determine if nerve repositioning is the most suitable option for your dental implant needs.

During this initial appointment, you can expect the following:

• Detailed medical history review: We'll discuss your overall health, any existing medical conditions, and medications you're taking.


• Oral examination: Our specialists will thoroughly examine your mouth, jaw, and teeth to assess the condition of your oral structures.


• Advanced imaging: We utilise state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to get a precise view of your jaw anatomy, including the position of the inferior alveolar nerve.


• Discussion of treatment options: Based on our findings, we'll explain whether nerve repositioning is necessary and discuss alternative treatments if applicable.


• Personalised treatment plan: If nerve repositioning is recommended, we'll create a tailored plan outlining the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process.

This initial consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about the procedure. Our team at London Dental Specialists is committed to ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable before proceeding with any treatment.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

To make the most of your nerve repositioning consultation, please bring the following:

• A list of current medications and supplements


• Any recent dental X-rays or scans (if available)


• Your dental insurance information (if applicable)


• A list of questions or concerns you'd like to discuss

At London Dental Specialists, we prioritise patient education and informed decision-making. Our goal during this initial consultation is to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make the best choice for your oral health and well-being.

Nerve Repositioning Custom Treatment Plan

After your initial consultation, our expert team at London Dental Specialists will develop a customised treatment plan for your nerve repositioning procedure. This comprehensive plan is tailored to your specific needs and anatomical considerations, ensuring the best possible outcome for your dental implant surgery.

Key Components of Your Custom Treatment Plan

• Detailed 3D Imaging Analysis: Our specialists will thoroughly examine your 3D scans to precisely map the location of the inferior alveolar nerve and surrounding structures.


• Surgical Approach: Based on your unique anatomy, we'll determine the most suitable surgical technique for repositioning the nerve, whether it's lateralization or transposition.


• Implant Placement Strategy: We'll plan the optimal positions for your dental implants, taking into account the new location of the repositioned nerve.


• Bone Grafting Assessment: If necessary, we'll include plans for bone grafting to ensure adequate support for your implants.


• Recovery Timeline: Your plan will outline the expected healing process and follow-up appointments.

Advanced Planning Technologies

At London Dental Specialists, we utilise cutting-edge technologies to enhance the precision of your nerve repositioning plan:

• Computer-Guided Surgery Planning: This allows for virtual simulation of the procedure, ensuring optimal nerve repositioning and implant placement.


• 3D Printed Surgical Guides: Custom-made guides help our surgeons achieve pinpoint accuracy during the procedure.

Patient Education and Preparation

As part of your custom treatment plan, we'll provide:

• Detailed Procedure Explanation: We'll walk you through each step of the nerve repositioning process, ensuring you fully understand what to expect.


• Pre-operative Instructions: You'll receive clear guidelines on how to prepare for your surgery, including any necessary dietary or medication adjustments.


• Risk Assessment and Management: We'll discuss potential risks and how we plan to mitigate them, prioritising your safety throughout the procedure.

At London Dental Specialists, we believe that a well-crafted, personalised treatment plan is crucial for the success of your nerve repositioning procedure. Our team is committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, leveraging our expertise and advanced technology to ensure optimal results for your dental implant journey.

Nerve Repositioning Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, our nerve repositioning procedure is a precise and carefully executed treatment to facilitate dental implant placement in the lower jaw. This advanced technique involves moving the inferior alveolar nerve, which provides sensation to the lower lip and chin, to create space for dental implants in cases of significant bone loss.

Our expert oral surgeons follow these key steps during the nerve repositioning procedure:

• Anaesthesia administration: We ensure your comfort by providing appropriate anaesthesia, typically local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, based on your individual needs and preferences.


• Surgical access: A careful incision is made in the lower jaw to expose the area containing the inferior alveolar nerve.


• Nerve identification and isolation: Using advanced microsurgical techniques, our specialists locate and gently isolate the nerve bundle.


• Nerve repositioning: The nerve is carefully moved aside, creating space for dental implant placement.


• Implant placement: Dental implants are precisely positioned in the newly available space, ensuring optimal support for future restorations.


• Nerve protection: A protective barrier is placed between the repositioned nerve and the implants to prevent potential irritation or damage.


• Bone grafting: If necessary, bone graft material is added to enhance implant stability and promote healing.


• Wound closure: The surgical site is meticulously closed using dissolvable sutures.

Throughout the procedure, our team utilises state-of-the-art imaging technology and computer-guided surgical techniques to ensure the highest level of precision and safety. This approach minimises the risk of complications and optimises the outcome of your treatment.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

Following your nerve repositioning procedure, we provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions, including:

• Pain management strategies


• Proper oral hygiene practices


• Dietary recommendations


• Activity restrictions


• Follow-up appointment schedule

It's normal to experience some numbness or altered sensation in the lower lip and chin area after the procedure. This typically improves gradually over several weeks to months. Our team closely monitors your recovery progress through regular check-ups, ensuring optimal healing and addressing any concerns promptly.

At London Dental Specialists, we are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care throughout your nerve repositioning treatment. Our experienced team combines surgical expertise with advanced technology to deliver exceptional results, helping you achieve a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Post Nerve Repositioning Treatment Care

Proper post-operative care is essential for successful recovery after nerve repositioning surgery at London Dental Specialists. Following your procedure, our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimise potential complications as you recover from this advanced dental implant preparation technique.

During the initial recovery period, you can expect:

• Temporary numbness or altered sensation in your lower lip, chin, and surrounding areas due to the manipulation of the inferior alveolar nerve


• Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort which typically peaks within 48-72 hours after surgery


• Gradual improvement in sensation over several weeks to months as the nerve heals

Key Aftercare Instructions

Our specialists will provide detailed guidance including:

• Medication management: Precise instructions for taking prescribed antibiotics and pain relief medications


• Cold compress application: To reduce swelling during the first 48 hours


• Oral hygiene protocol: Gentle cleaning techniques to maintain oral health without disturbing the surgical site


• Dietary recommendations: Soft food diet initially, gradually transitioning to normal foods as healing progresses


• Activity restrictions: Guidelines on avoiding strenuous physical activities that could impair healing

Follow-up Appointments

Regular follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring your recovery progress. Your post-treatment care plan typically includes:

• Initial review appointment 7-10 days after surgery


• Suture removal (if non-dissolvable sutures were used)


• Nerve function assessment to track sensation recovery


• Additional appointments at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months

During these visits, our specialists will evaluate the healing of the surgical site, assess nerve function recovery, and determine when it's appropriate to proceed with the next phase of your dental implant treatment.

Long-term Recovery Considerations

Complete recovery from nerve repositioning typically takes 3-6 months. Throughout this period, our team at London Dental Specialists remains available to address any concerns and provide support. Most patients experience gradual improvement in sensation, though some degree of altered feeling may persist in some cases.

With proper care and adherence to our post-treatment guidelines, you can look forward to successful integration of your dental implants and restoration of full oral function. Our commitment to your care extends throughout your entire treatment process, ensuring the best possible outcome for your dental health.