Nerve Injuries
Restore Sensation and Movement
Facial nerves in the jaws, teeth, gums, lips, and tongue can be damaged by facial trauma or dental procedures, such as root canal fillings, jaw surgery, and adverse reactions to local anesthesia. The nerves are a crucial part of human bodies that supply sensation to various areas, and when a nerve is damaged, Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams will select the right method of treatment for your condition and perform surgery to restore sensation and movement to the affected area.
Types of Nerve Injuries
A nerve injury can cause a variety of sensations, most of which are unpleasant, such as numbness, tingling, burning, or hypersensitivity in the area. These sensations can interfere with your ability to chew, speak, drink liquids, kiss, or clean and shave your face. Some nerve injuries heal on their own following a surgical procedure, but if you are experiencing these sensations for more than 1 month following surgery, the nerve will likely not heal and may require treatment.
There are several times of nerve injuries:
- Compression of the nerve by a natural element (tooth, bony fragments, scar tissue) or foreign material (bone fixation screws, plates, wires)
- Burns from corrosive medications or root canal filling materials
- Stretching from trauma or manipulation during surgery
- Partial or complete severance of the nerve causing a discontinuity or the growth of a neuroma (a painful mass of nerve tissue)
Treatment for Nerve Injuries
During your first visit to Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery in Walnut Creek, CA, Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams will evaluate your condition. We may take 3D scans of your facial structures and explain your treatment options in detail so that you can make an informed decision about the next steps to take. Our practice also offers anesthesia and sedation for any surgical procedure in order to keep every patient comfortable and at ease.
The different types of treatment for nerve injuries that we offer are as follows:
- Decompression. Your surgeon relieves the nerve of any material pressing against it.
- Nerve Grafting. The lost portion of the nerve is replaced by a sensory nerve graft, which is taken from either the lower leg or neck.
- Neurolysis. Scar tissue inside of the nerve is removed.
- Suturing. Two ends of a severed nerve are held in place with stitches.
- Removal. Abnormal nerve tissue or neuromas are removed entirely.
The team at Muir Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery is here to walk you through every step of your treatment. Nerves are delicate, and we understand the anxiety that can accompany any type of surgical procedure. Dr. Karas and Dr. Williams are board-certified and hold both dental and medical degrees, in addition to their years of experience treating nerve injuries. At our practice, you are in excellent hands.
To learn about how Dr. Karas, Dr. Williams, and their team can restore sensation to a damaged facial nerve, please contact our office in Walnut Creek, CA, to schedule an appointment.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Nerve Injuries and other procedures.
" When I first walked into this practice, I felt that I was the most important person in that moment, and that was important to me. Dr. Karas has a way of relating to his patients. I felt comfortable with him in terms of his professionalism and care. The staff explained everything to me and made me feel at ease."
"Dr. Karas did an amazing job, and I was very happy with the work he did. I could tell that I was working with a professional and it really showed. The staff are very friendly and caring, and they make you feel very special."
"The staff here are very personable, outgoing, and friendly, and very accommodating. Having this dental implant has given me a really new outlook on life and I'm so happy I did it. I have a beautiful, healthy smile now, and it’s all thanks to Dr. Karas and his team."
"Dr. Karas is a very warm and professional person. He makes me feel secure. I feel that he knows what he’s doing, and I felt like I was in the best hands possible. My overall experience has been absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Karas and his team."
"Everyone here was just kind, friendly, and caring. Dr. Karas made me feel like he really cared about my needs and concerns. He talked to me in a way about my procedure that I could really understand, and I felt comfortable after my first consultation with him. I’m very happy that I chose this practice to have my procedure done."
" Everybody here really made me feel at home and at ease. Dr. Karas is a very friendly and professional person. I really knew I was in good hands with him. I had complete confidence that he would do an amazing job, and he did. I had an amazing experience here."
" Everyone here was just so welcoming and understanding about this whole process. Dr. Karas is very composed and [is] such a professional. Dr. Karas makes me feel so comfortable every time I see him. This surgery has been life-changing. I eat and chew so much better now. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I just feel more free to be myself."
"The staff here are fun. They are extremely kind and extremely caring, and you can tell that they care for every patient that comes through the door. My experience here was absolutely amazing. I have a healthy smile now and it’s all thanks to Dr. Karas and his team. "
"When I came in here—meeting with the staff and everybody in the office, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Karas always gives the explanation that gives confidence to me in what the result will be."
How Can We Help You?
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