Our department, led by Professor Fujita, is one of the world’s leading centers specializing in the microsurgical repair of the Lingual Nerve and Inferior Alveolar Nerve.

We have provided surgical treatment to patients from across the globe.

About Professor Fujita

1. Proven Clinical Excellence (160+ Cases)

With over 25 years of experience as a Professor at Wakayama Medical University Department of Oral and maxillofacial Surgery, and North Osaka Housenka Hospital, he has performed more than 160 successful microsurgical nerve repairs.

This is one of the largest single-surgeon clinical databases globally.

2. Evidence-Based Success

Our surgical outcomes have been objectively analyzed and recognized in international medical literature.

Notably, a meta-analysis by researchers at major U.S and European universities has highlighted the high efficacy and successful recovery rates of Professor Fujita’s surgical techniques.

3. Global Trust

We understand the anxiety of traveling abroad for medical treatment.

Professor Fujita’s expertise is sought after by patients worldwide who seek the highest standard of nerve reconstruction.

We have successfully treated patients from the UK, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Professor Emeritus, Wakayama Medical University
Board Certified Specialist & Instructor, Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Specialization: Trigeminal Nerve Reconstruction, Complex Wisdom Tooth Extraction, TMJ Disorders.

4. Important Notice for Patients Seeking Consultation

1: Self-Assessment – Is Your Injury “Severe”?

It is crucial to distinguish whether your condition requires surgical intervention or conservative observation.

• Are you struggling with persistent numbness after a dental procedure?
• Has it been more than 6 months since your injury with no sign of improvement?
• Medical data suggests that if no recovery is felt spontaneous healing is highly unlikely.
• Failed Conservative Treatment: Have you been taking medications (such as Vitamin B12 or ATP) for months without any change in sensation?
• Loss of Localization: When you touch the numb area, are you unable to identify the exact spot being touched? (This is a clinical sign of severe nerve disruption).
• Persistent Allodynia: Do you suffer from constant, agonizing electric-shock-like sensations or painful tingling that interferes with your daily life?

Medical evidence indicates that nerve repair is most effective when performed within 3 to 6 months of the injury.

If it has been more than 12 months: The likelihood of sensory recovery through surgery significantly decreases.

If it has been less than 3 months: We generally recommend observation and vitamin B12 therapy, as some cases of injuries heal spontaneously.

Please Note: If your symptoms are gradually improving, or if you only experience mild “tingling” without functional loss, you are likely not a candidate for surgery.

Surgical Candidacy Self-Check

To ensure we prioritize patients who will benefit most from surgical intervention and to respect your time and resources, please complete the following self-assessment before contacting us.

Step 1: Decision Flowchart

Please follow these questions to determine your potential candidacy:

• Has it been more than 3 months since your dental procedure?
  • NO → [Wait and See] Injuries less than 3 months old may heal spontaneously. We generally recommend observation and Vitamin B12 therapy during this period.
  • YES → Proceed to the next question.
• Are your symptoms gradually improving?
  • YES → [Not a Candidate] If you are experiencing objective improvement or only have mild “tingling,” you are likely not a candidate for surgery.
  • NO → Proceed to the next question.
• Can you identify the exact spot being touched in the numb area? (Localization)
  • YES → [Careful Evaluation Needed] You may have some functional nerve continuity.
  • NO → [Surgical Evaluation Recommended] “Loss of Localization” is a clinical sign of severe nerve disruption.

Step 2: Evaluating Your Recovery Window

The success of nerve reconstruction is highly time-sensitive.

Step 3: Pre-Inquiry Checklist

Before submitting your inquiry, please ensure you can provide the following objective information:

• [ ] Procedure Details: Date and type of surgery (e.g., Wisdom tooth extraction in Jan 2025).
• [ ] Sensory Progress: Confirmation that there has been no objective improvement.
• [ ] Clinical Records: Availability of X-rays, CT, MRI, or neurosensory test records (e.g., Semmes-Weinstein Test) from your local specialist.
• [ ] Purpose of Inquiry: You are seeking a surgical evaluation for physical nerve damage rather than psychological counseling or emotional support.

Assessment Result & Next Steps

If you meet the surgical criteria: If your injury is between 3–12 months old or moreover period, shows no improvement, and lacks localization, we recommend a professional screening.

Please email us with your objective clinical data. 📧 fujitashigeyuki6@gmail.com

If you do not meet the criteria: If your symptoms are mild or improving, the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits. We recommend continued monitoring by your local dentist or specialist.

5. Importance of Early Diagnosis

Research conducted by Dr. Fujita indicates that earlier surgical intervention significantly increases the odds of functional sensory recovery.

While we also treat many long-term cases (even those abandoned for over 10 years), early evaluation is strongly recommended to achieve the best possible outcome.

6. Symptoms We Treat

Many patients are told to “wait and see,” but severe nerve injuries often require surgical intervention.

Please contact us if you experience:

• Numbness or Hypesthesia: Loss of sensation in the tongue or chin.
• Allodynia: Persistent, painful tingling or electric-shock-like sensations.
• Loss of Taste (in the case of lingual neuropathy): Impaired ability to enjoy food due to nerve damage.
• Functional Issues: Frequently biting your tongue (in the case of lingual neuropathy) or difficulty speaking.

7. Treatment Process for International Patients

We aim to make your journey as smooth as possible:

Initial Consultation:

We will confirm your medical history and current symptoms via email. We will ask about your age, medical history, and current symptoms. We will ask about the time of your injury and your current symptoms.

Comprehensive Neurosensory Testing:

Patients diagnosed with severe injuries are asked to visit our hospital, where we use the American Clinical Neurosensory Test and, in the case of lingual nerve injury, the Tinel’s sign test to accurately diagnose the severity of the injury and ultimately determine whether surgery is appropriate.

Surgical Plan:

If surgery is required, we use microsurgical nerve repair (e.g., direct suture or nerve conduit) under general anesthesia.

Short Hospital Stay:

Typically, patients only need to stay for about 10 days, from the first day before surgery until the stitches are removed.

5. Recovery Support:

Long-term follow-up and guidance on sensory rehabilitation is usually provided for at least three years.

8. Cases We Do Not Treat (Exclusions):

• Symptoms that are gradually improving or are only mild “tingling”.
• Psychological counseling or treatment for psychosomatic disorders/atypical odontalgia.
• Inquiries regarding general anxiety without objective clinical evidence of nerve injury.

9. Accommodation Guide & Clinical FAQ

1. Where to Stay (Recommended Areas)

Kita-Osaka Housenka Hospital is located in Ibaraki City, Osaka. We recommend the following areas for your 10-day stay:

Kita-Osaka Housenka Hospital is easily accessible for international travelers.

By Train (Recommended):
Take the Airport Express “Haruka” to JR Shin-Osaka Station (50 mins), transfer to the JR Kyoto Line to Ibaraki Station (10 mins), then a short taxi ride to the clinic.

By Limousine Bus:
Direct buses from KIX to JR Ibaraki Station (approx. 80 mins).

JR Ibaraki Station Area (Closest):
This is the most convenient area, located just a short taxi ride from the hospital. It offers numerous business hotels, supermarkets, and pharmacies, making it ideal for patients recovering after discharge.

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)