Permanent sensory deficit occurs less than 1% of of wisdom tooth removal. Most cases resolve within a few weeks, however it can take months and up to a year has been reported.
If the condition does not improve within 3 months I would suggest she gets a second opinion from an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who specializes in nerve repair.
Hi Dr Kirsch,
Just bumping up my second question to you....
Thanks, Mary
Hi Dr Kirsch,
Thank you for your response. Her doctor is an oral surgeon. She has another appointment with him next week. Can I just ask you one more question - you said the numbness "usually" goes away but it can be permanent in some "rare" cases. What would constitute rare? What damage would be done to be considered "rare"? He has indicated there is some "nerve damage" and there is alot of bruising. I'm hoping the bruising is causing the pain?
Thanks again for your help,
Mary
Your mother should be seen by a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon as soon as possible. The numbness is usually temporary but it can be permanent in some rare cases.
The sooner she is evaluated and baseline data is obtained the better the surgeon will be able to predict her recovery and possibly provide treatment to improve her recovery.
If she is truly experience "mental distress" she should be seen by a mental health specialist immediately!
Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.