Nerve Injury

  • Nerve injury to the face and jaws can occur as a result of:

    • Trauma

    • Removal of an impacted wisdom tooth

    • Jaw infection

    • Jaw corrective

    • Tumor growth and its associated surgical removal

  • Often minor bruising of the nerve can result in temporary paresthesia (loss of feeling) or weakness that will heal over time

  • Nerve injuries are managed both through non-surgical methods and surgical techniques using nerve grafts and primary repair

  • Complete or partial facial paralysis may require various reconstructive techniques to either restore function or improve cosmesis

  • Chronic nerve pain may develop as a result of late injury and the UMOMSA faculty work closely with facial pain specialists at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry for management of such conditions