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 surgery
  • 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