Reading time: three minutes.
Dental implants have a high success rate, but their placement requires precise planning. One possible complication is nerve injury, which can occur if the implant is positioned too close to a nerve. With modern imaging and expert surgical technique, this risk is extremely low.
Understanding Nerve Position in the Jaw
In the lower jaw, the inferior alveolar nerve runs inside a narrow canal. It carries feeling to your bottom lip and chin. If an implant is placed too deep or too close to that canal, the nerve can be irritated or compressed. The result can be tingling, numbness, or in severe cases, pain.
These complications can come from:
- Drilling too deep: Entering the nerve canal during placement.
- Bone height misjudgment: Overestimating available bone under the gums.
- Wrong implant angle: Poor positioning without digital guidance.
- Overly long implant: Extending into the nerve’s path.
Steps Surgeons Take to Protect Nerves
Oral surgeons use detailed imaging and digital planning to identify nerve pathways and determine the safest implant position before surgery begins.
- 3D CBCT imaging: AA cone beam CT scan provides a detailed, three-dimensional view of the jaw, revealing the exact location of nerves, bone density, and any anatomical variations.
- Digital planning software: Each implant is virtually planned before surgery, allowing different angles and depths to be tested on-screen for the safest placement.
- Custom surgical guides: Once the plan is finalized, a surgical guide acts like a stencil during the procedure to ensure the implant is positioned at the precise depth and angle determined in the plan.
- Advanced surgical technique: At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, procedures are performed by Dr. J. Travis Thompson, DDS, trained in advanced oral anatomy and nerve protection.
- Choosing the right implant size: Implants are available in different lengths and diameters. The selected size fits the bone structure securely without encroaching on the nerve canal.
Managing Nerve Sensitivity After Surgery
Even with every precaution, nerves can react unpredictably. Most of the time, any numbness or tingling after surgery is temporary and improves as the nerve recovers.
Your surgeon may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
- Vitamin B supplements to promote healing
- Monitoring visits to track recovery
Choosing a Skilled Implant Surgeon
Not all providers who place dental implants have the same training or experience. Oral surgeons complete years of specialized education focused on anatomy, surgical technique, and nerve protection. When choosing a provider, ask about their credentials, the technology they use, and how they plan each procedure.
Our team uses 3D imaging, digital planning, and custom surgical guides to place implants with precision, protecting both your comfort and long-term results.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, precision and safety guide every implant procedure. Schedule your consultation in Deer Park to restore your smile with confidence.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
If you feel persistent numbness, tingling, or burning in your lips, chin, gums, or tongue after dental treatment, it may indicate nerve irritation or injury. These sensations can appear immediately or within a few days after the procedure. Schedule a follow up with your provider as soon as possible to determine the cause and treatment options.
Early signs include lingering pain after temperature changes, sharp discomfort when chewing, or a dull ache that does not fade. If nerve irritation advances, the tooth may eventually feel numb instead of painful. An X-ray or CBCT scan can help identify the extent of the problem.
If you are in the Deer Park area, visit Oral Facial & Implant Specialists for advanced dental implant care. Dr. J. Travis Thompson uses precision-guided surgery and 3D imaging to ensure accuracy and comfort throughout every procedure.
