Please help! Numbness

I had my bottom left wisdom tooth pulled in November of 2008.  My tooth was lying close to a nerve so my dentist informed me that I would need to be put to sleep.  Basically it has been about 6 months and my bottom left lip and gum are numb.  The only feeling I have is tingling when I touch it but that is about it.  I am afraid that this feeling may be permanent.  Since it has been feeling this way for a while, is this permanent nerve damage or is it a possibility that my feeling may come back.   Please Help!

[Ramin Mehregan, DMD]

Did you go back to the Oral Surgeon (I assume it was done by one) and discussed this issue with him/her?

[keanna]

Yes.  He has told me that it may come back but it is a possibility that it could be permanent.  I just did not know how long it usually take to fully recover.