CCSA
Charles County
Surgical Arts

Nerve Repair

Evaluate Early. Refer Timely. Restore Sensation.

Microsurgical repair of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves restores feeling after numbness or altered sensation caused by wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, root canals, or facial trauma. Timely recognition improves recovery and quality of life.

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Anatomical illustration of the inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve within the lower jaw
Advanced
Microsurgery

Microsurgical Precision

Specialized trigeminal nerve microsurgery for the best chance of recovery.

Time-Sensitive Care

Same-week evaluations for acute nerve injuries when every week matters.

CBCT-Guided Diagnosis

Advanced imaging to pinpoint nerve compression, laceration, or transection.

Board-Certified Surgeons

Dr. Ryan Look and Dr. John McElveen, with specialized surgical training.

Restoring Sensation After Nerve Injury in White Plains, MD

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerve (LN) provide feeling to the lower lip, chin, gums, and tongue. When one of these nerves is injured, patients may experience persistent numbness, painful sensations, or difficulty speaking and eating. While many injuries recover on their own, some require microsurgical repair to restore sensation and quality of life.

At Charles County Surgical Arts in White Plains, MD, Dr. Ryan Look and Dr. John McElveen evaluate and treat nerve injuries using advanced diagnostic imaging and microsurgical techniques. As one of the few practices offering trigeminal nerve microsurgery in Southern Maryland, we are a trusted referral destination for patients and providers throughout Charles County — including Waldorf, La Plata, Brandywine, Hughesville, Indian Head, and Bryans Road — as well as neighboring St. Mary's and Calvert counties. Because the timing of treatment strongly affects outcomes, early evaluation is essential, and our convenient location just off Route 301 keeps specialized care close to home.

When Is Nerve Repair Recommended?

Microsurgical nerve repair may be indicated when:

  • Partial or complete numbness or severe altered sensation persists beyond 4–8 weeks.
  • There is little or no improvement in sensation over time.
  • Imaging or examination suggests nerve compression, laceration, or transection.
  • A painful neuroma has formed at the site of injury.

Common Causes & Symptoms

Nerve injuries can result from routine dental procedures or trauma. Recognizing the symptoms early is the first step toward recovery.

Common Causes

  • Wisdom tooth removal
  • Dental implant surgery
  • Root canal therapy
  • Facial trauma
  • Local anesthetic injury

Symptoms

  • Persistent numbness
  • Tingling or "pins and needles"
  • Burning or shooting pain
  • Altered sensation of the lip, chin, gums, or tongue
  • Difficulty speaking or chewing
  • Loss of taste (lingual nerve injuries)

Treatment Timeline

The timing of treatment strongly affects the outcome. The first 3–6 months offer the best window for microsurgical repair.

Immediately

Document & Examine

Symptoms are documented and a neurosensory examination is performed to establish a baseline and map the affected area.

4–8 Weeks

Re-Evaluate

If symptoms persist without improvement, the nerve is re-evaluated and referral for microsurgical assessment is recommended.

3–6 Months

Optimal Window for Repair

This is the ideal window for microsurgical repair when indicated, offering the most predictable recovery of sensation.

Beyond 6–9 Months

Select Cases Still Benefit

Surgery may still be beneficial in select patients, although outcomes are generally less predictable as time passes.

Surgical Options

The approach is tailored to the type and severity of the nerve injury, confirmed through examination and imaging.

External Neurolysis

Removes scar tissue surrounding the nerve, relieving compression and allowing the nerve room to recover.

Internal Neurolysis

Releases scar tissue from within the nerve itself to restore healthy nerve function.

Direct Nerve Repair

Reconnects severed nerve ends without tension to re-establish nerve continuity.

Nerve Grafting

Reconstructs nerve gaps using a processed nerve allograft or an autogenous nerve graft.

Neuroma Excision

Removes painful nerve scar tissue, followed by nerve reconstruction when appropriate.

Charles County Surgical Arts nerve repair referral guide for dental professionals

A Referral Guide for Dental Professionals

Timely recognition and referral of nerve injuries improves sensory recovery and quality of life for your patients. We partner with general dentists, endodontists, and oral surgeons throughout Southern Maryland.

  • Same-week evaluations available for acute nerve injuries
  • CBCT-guided diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Collaborative care with detailed consultation reports
  • Comprehensive postoperative follow-up
View Referral Guide Refer a Patient: (301) 818-5598

Nerve Repair Serving White Plains & Southern Maryland

Our White Plains office sits in the heart of Charles County, just off Route 301, with easy access from Route 5 and Route 228. Most patients reach us in under 30 minutes.

White Plains, MD

4185 Altamont Pl, just off Route 301. Free parking and wheelchair-accessible facilities at our home office.

Waldorf, MD

Just a 10-minute drive north on Route 301. See our Waldorf services.

La Plata, MD

Under 15 minutes via Route 301 south. See our La Plata services.

Brandywine, MD

A short drive north on Route 301. Learn more.

Charles County

Serving Hughesville, Indian Head, Bryans Road, Port Tobacco, and surrounding communities.

St. Mary's & Calvert

Patients from Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, and across Southern Maryland. Leonardtown · Prince Frederick.

Nerve Repair FAQs

Answers to common questions about inferior alveolar and lingual nerve injury and repair.

These nerve injuries most commonly occur after wisdom tooth removal, dental implant surgery, root canal therapy, facial trauma, or local anesthetic injection. The injury may stretch, compress, or partially or completely sever the nerve.
Early evaluation matters. Persistent numbness or altered sensation lasting beyond 4 to 8 weeks should be assessed promptly. The optimal window for microsurgical repair is within 3 to 6 months of the injury, when outcomes are most predictable.
Many nerve injuries recover spontaneously within the first several weeks. When there is little or no improvement over 4 to 8 weeks, or when imaging suggests the nerve is compressed, lacerated, or transected, microsurgical repair may be recommended to maximize the chance of recovery.
Depending on the type of injury, options include external neurolysis, internal neurolysis, direct nerve repair, nerve grafting with a processed allograft or autogenous graft, and neuroma excision with reconstruction.
Yes. While the optimal window is within 3 to 6 months, surgery may still benefit select patients beyond 6 to 9 months, although outcomes are generally less predictable. A neurosensory examination helps determine candidacy.
Yes. We welcome referrals from general dentists, endodontists, and oral surgeons for patients with suspected nerve injuries. We offer same-week evaluations for acute nerve injuries and provide detailed consultation reports back to the referring provider.
Our office is located at 4185 Altamont Pl in White Plains, MD 20695, just off Route 301. We provide inferior alveolar and lingual nerve repair for patients throughout Charles County — including Waldorf, La Plata, Brandywine, Hughesville, Indian Head, and Bryans Road — as well as neighboring St. Mary's and Calvert counties. Most patients reach us in under 30 minutes.

Don't Wait to Address Nerve Injury

Early evaluation gives you the best chance at restoring sensation. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified oral surgeons today.

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