Dental Blog - Las Vegas & Henderson, NV

Dental Blog

What Is Trigeminal Nerve Damage

The Trigeminal nerve is one of the nerves responsible for motor functions and sensations in the face. It is one of the most complex nerves in the human body, and is needed for functions such as biting or chewing. Patients may experience neurosensory deficits and facial pain if their trigeminal nerve is damaged. This damage may also cause changes in eating habits.

At Nevada Oral & Facial Surgery, and can diagnose if your trigeminal nerve has been damaged and perform oral surgery to repair it.

What Causes Trigeminal Nerve Damage

The trigeminal nerve can be damaged unders variety of circumstances. This includes tooth removal, trauma, tumor removal, implant placement, or local anesthesia. Each of these circumstances may damage the nerve in a different way.

How Soon Should You Seek Help For Trigeminal Nerve Damage

You should seek help immediately If you suspect your trigeminal nerve has been damaged due to trauma or following a procedure. The best time to repair this nerve is at the time of injury. However, many patients do not realize their trigeminal nerve has been damaged until after their operation. Early secondary repair is typically carried out three months following the injury.

Is Surgery Necessary For Trigeminal Nerve Damage

The vast majority of trigeminal nerve injuries resolve by themselves and don’t require surgery. This natural healing process may take anywhere between 3 months to 1 year. If the trigeminal nerve damage is more severe, it may require microsurgery to repair.

If you suspect you have a trigeminal nerve injury that is causing facial pain or is causing difficulty eating and chewing, we recommend visiting and at Nevada Oral & Facial Surgery. Please schedule an appointment with us by calling our office at (702) 360-8918 today.