Wisdom Tooth Extraction Complications

[Debbie945]

My 31 yr. old daughter had a wisdom tooth extracted about 1 month ago, took 2/5 hrs., by a dental surgeon. He has referred her to an Oral Surgeon for the other wisdom tooth. Since the surgery her lip & jaw have been numb with no change. Now she is feeling a throbbing half way from her chin to the tooth area. The Oral Surgeon said everything is healing ok when she went for a pre-op visit about 3 weeks after the surgery and the numbness should return to normal within a month. It has not.

I have read the numbness may be permanent. What is causing the throbbing a month later?

Thank you for your help.

Debbie

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Generally the trauma from the dental surgery can cause injury to the major nerve of the jaw resulting in numbness of the jaw.  Her numbness hasn't improved in the month since the extractions?  Did your surgeon recommend any medications or anti-inflammatories?  

Generally there shouldn't be any throbbing afterwards if the area is healing well.  It may have to do with the injury to the nerve.

I would recommend going back if the symptoms haven't improved.