When patients hear they have “insufficient bone” for dental implants, it can feel discouraging. Missing teeth in the back of the lower jaw often lead to bone resorption, shrinking the jaw and bringing the inferior alveolar nerve dangerously close to the surface. This makes implant placement challenging and increases the risk of nerve injury. Nerve lateralization is a technique that helps overcome this limitation, providing a successful alternative to bone grafting in certain cases.
Nerve lateralization focuses on carefully moving the inferior alveolar nerve aside to open up space for dental implants. Instead of grafting new bone—which may take months to heal—this method allows implants to be placed in a single surgical session. It is particularly useful for patients who want faster results or who aren’t ideal candidates for extensive grafting procedures.
The journey usually starts with a detailed clinical evaluation. The dentist studies the patient’s history, examines bone structure using CBCT scans, and identifies the safest treatment approach. Using digital planning software, the surgeon maps out the exact location of the nerve canal and the ideal implant angulation. This pre-planning significantly reduces surgical risks and ensures predictable results.
During surgery, the doctor creates a small bony window in the side of the lower jaw to access the nerve canal. Unlike nerve transposition, where the nerve is relocated further out of its natural course, nerve lateralization only moves it slightly aside. This makes the procedure less traumatic and reduces the chances of long-term sensory changes. Once the implants are positioned securely, the nerve is gently placed back around them, and the surgical site is closed.
This approach allows the use of full-length implants, which generally integrate better with the jawbone and offer improved chewing stability. For patients with multiple missing molars or fully edentulous lower jaws, nerve lateralization can restore function and comfort effectively.
Recovery after nerve lateralization varies but is typically smooth with proper care. Swelling and mild discomfort are expected for the first few days. Numbness in the lower lip or chin may occur but often improves as the nerve heals. Surgeons usually advise avoiding hard foods initially and maintaining excellent oral hygiene to protect the surgical area.
The benefits go beyond implant placement. Many patients experience renewed confidence in their bite, clearer speech, and improved jaw function once the final restorations are placed. Implants supported by nerve lateralization tend to offer long-term stability because they engage stronger bone, avoiding the compromises often seen with short implants.
However, patient selection is key. Factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, smoking habits, and poor gum health can affect healing. That’s why a thorough consultation is essential to determine whether this technique is the right solution.
As dentistry progresses, nerve lateralization continues to be recognized as a dependable method for implant placement in challenging cases. It gives patients with severe bone loss a chance to enjoy fixed teeth again, often without the prolonged healing times associated with traditional grafting.
For anyone who has been told they don’t have enough bone for implants, exploring the option of nerve lateralization with a skilled implant surgeon may open the door to a confident, functional smile once more.
