The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for the placement of dental implants in the lower
jaw. This procedure is limited to the lower jaw and may be indicated when teeth are missing in the area of the two back molars and/or second premolars.
This procedure is considered a very aggressive approach since there is almost always some postoperative numbness of the lower lip and jaw area, which typically
dissipates very slowly, but may be permanent. Usually other, less aggressive options are considered first (placement of blade implants, etc).