nerve repair for oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may encounter nerve deficits with a myriad of causes, including dentoalveolar surgery and tumor resection. Some patients may recover over time, while others have varying degrees of permanent impairment. Fortunately, there are surgical solutions available to address these and other related injuries.

trigeminal nerve injuries

Trigeminal nerve injuries stemming from trauma, dentoalveolar procedures, or onocologic resection significantly impact patient quality of life, both physically and emotionally. Simple everyday activities like eating, drinking or brushing teeth can become a challenge. Even worse, studies show these nerve injuries can lead to increased social anxiety, difficulty managing emotions and clinical depression.1,2

See iatrogenic trigeminal procedures

See mandible resection procedures

trends

acting fast

When it comes to nerve injuries, early intervention is key. Studies have shown a high rate of success for trigeminal nerve microsurgery, especially when the nerve is repaired in 90 days or less from the date of injury.3

restoring sensory function

Maxillofacial reconstruction procedures, such as mandibulectomy, require the resection of hard and soft tissue, including nerve tissue, leading to loss of neurosensory function. Immediate reconstruction of sensory nerves at the time of hard and soft tissue ablation can lead to functional sensory recovery.3-6

improving quality of life

Nerve reconstruction is a vital part of providing the best possible outcome for your patients. Nerve repair helps restore function after damage due to ablation, neuroma formation, scar tissue formation or foreign debris.

outcomes

~26

publications

At least 26 independent, non-sponsored papers, which highlights growing surgeon interest and acceptance of Axogen solutions.7

≥86%

functional recovery

Peer-reviewed clinical evidence has demonstrated that at least 86% of patients achieve functional sensory recovery after trigeminal nerve repair with Axogen’s portfolio.3-10

75K+

nerve repairs

Over 75,000 Avance® Nerve Graft repairs worldwide since 2007, with no reported implant-related adverse events.

when to refer

Not sure when to refer? This article will help you understand when to refer a patient with a nerve injury to a specialist.

Read article

publications

Full Axogen clinical bibliography

Sensory outcomes after reconstruction of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve discontinuities using processed nerve allograft—a case series

A case-and-control, multisite, positive controlled, prospective study of the safety and effectiveness of immediate inferior alveolar nerve processed nerve allograft reconstruction with ablation of the mandible for benign pathology

Efficacy of acellular nerve allografts in trigeminal nerve reconstruction

Reconstructive options for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injuries after dental and oral surgery: an evidence-based review

Does immediate inferior alveolar nerve allograft reconstruction result in functional sensory recovery in pediatric patients

The Trigeminal Nerve Injury

resources

IAN repair via buccal decortication access

IAN reconstruction in a segmental mandible resection via mandibular foramen access

IAN reconstruction in a segmental mandible resection via buccal decortication access

See our solutions

Reimbursement guides

The 90-day window: trigeminal nerve injuries and the importance of prompt referral

patient materials

Understanding your surgical options brochure

Causes of nerve damage

Patient stories

more procedures

Learn more about other common procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

trauma

mandible resection

refer a patient

We can help you find a surgeon who specializes in peripheral nerve repair.

contact your area rep

Fill out a short form to contact a rep and get more information about our nerve repair solutions.

references

  1. Leung YY, et al. Trigeminal neurosensory deficit and patient reported outcome measures: the effect on life satisfaction and depression symptoms. PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e77391.
  2. Pogrel A, et al. Long-term outcome of trigeminal nerve injuries related to dental treatment. J Oral Maxillo Surg. Sep 2011;69(9):2284-2288.
  3. Zuniga J. Sensory outcomes after reconstruction of lingual and inferior alveolar nerve discontinuities using processed nerve allograft—A case series. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Apr 2015;73(4):734-44.
  4. Salomon D, et al. Outcomes of immediate allograft reconstruction of long-span defects of the inferior alveolar nerve. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Dec 2016;74(12):2507-2514.
  5. Zuniga J, et al. A case-and-control, multi-site, positive controlled, prospective study of the safety and effectiveness of immediate inferior alveolar nerve processed nerve allograft reconstruction with ablation of the mandible for benign pathology. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Dec 2017;75(12):2669-2681.
  6. Miloro M, et al. Does immediate inferior alveolar nerve allograft reconstruction result in functional sensory recovery in pediatric patients? J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Nov 2020;78(11):2073-2079.
  7. Data on file.
  8. Yampolsky A, et al. Efficacy of acellular nerve allografts in trigeminal nerve reconstruction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Oct 2017;75(10):2230-2234.
  9. Ducic I, et al. Reconstructive options for inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injuries after dental and oral surgery: an evidence-based review. Ann Plast Surg. Jun 2019;82(6):653-660.
  10. Morgan SD, et al. Nerve grafting in head and neck reconstruction. Facial Plast Surg. Dec. 2020;36(06):737-745.