Nerve Repair

Trigeminal nerve injuries sometimes improve on their own, but others require surgical repair to prevent permanent damage and alleviate symptoms. Surgery is most effective the sooner you seek treatment, so if you’re experiencing symptoms such as weakness, pain, or numbness in your face or mouth, schedule a nerve repair appointment at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada. The Harvard-trained surgeons can repair and reconstruct damaged nerves. Call or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment at the Summerlin or East Side Las Vegas office.

Nerve Repair Q&A

What are trigeminal nerve injuries?

Trigeminal nerve injuries are a rare complication of surgical procedures involving your face or mouth. Wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, corrective jaw surgery, and injections of local anesthesia all carry some risk of a nerve injury.

Your trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and has several branches. Some branches supply sensation to your face, lips, and tongue, and others affect facial movement. Facial nerve injuries can have a range of symptoms, including:

  • Numbness

  • Twitching

  • Hypersensitivity

  • Tingling, prickling, and burning sensations

In addition to dental and oral surgical procedures, you may also experience a nerve injury as the result of facial trauma, or if you’ve undergone treatment for cancer in your head or neck. 

Do all nerve injuries require surgical repair?

Some nerve injuries are minor and improve on their own within days or weeks. In other cases, trigeminal injuries last for months and can cause serious disruptions to your everyday life. A facial nerve injury can affect your ability to speak, chew food, or smile.

Your doctor may recommend microsurgical nerve repair if you’re in serious pain, have lost sensation in your face, including your sense of taste, or have motor control difficulties. To determine if nerve repair is the best course of action, your doctor may perform an imaging test to evaluate the extent of the damage.

Be sure to schedule an appointment at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada when you notice the signs of a nerve injury. If you need surgery, it’s easiest to restore sensation and motor ability the sooner you get treatment.

What is the procedure for nerve repair?

Nerve repair involves removing injured tissue or scar tissue, then reconnecting the ends of the nerve. During the procedure, your surgeon uses microsurgery techniques, involving a microscope and tiny surgical instruments, to precisely locate your nerve paths.

The nerve repair procedure is just one step in your recovery. Nerves grow slowly, and the purpose of a nerve repair is to promote proper healing and the restoration of function. You may follow-up regularly with your doctor at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada to monitor your progress.

To learn more about nerve repair, schedule an appointment at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada online or over the phone.