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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Expert Forum)
Post Wisdom tooth extraction numbness is cold
Answered by
Michael H Kirsch, DDS - Oral Surgery, Maxillofacial, Wisdom Teeth, Bone Grafting, dental implants
Dr. Michael H. Kirsch
Caldwell - NJ
Questions in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery forum are answered by Dr. Michael H Kirsch. Topics covered include teeth extractions, wisdom teeth, dental implants, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, facial bones realignment, facial trauma repair, jaw alignment, anesthesia, jaw cyst or tumor diagnosis, reconstructive jaw surgery, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) and TMJ surgery.
Post Wisdom tooth extraction numbness is cold
by TiffTeeth, Mar 19, 2008 03:37PM
Hello, I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled about six days ago and am experiencing numbness in the left half of my lower lip, and chin (and teeth and gums in the general vicinity). I've spoken with my oral surgeon and done some research and see that this is relatively common and in most cases goes away within a few weeks to months. My question is regarding the fact that the numb lip area in question periodically feels really cold, as if there's an ice cube only on that part of the lip. Is that normal? Does it indicate the return of sensation to the area? I've been continuously putting a hot pack on my face to help with the remaining swelling and discomfort around the extraction site but also to relieve the annoyance of the cold numb area. Is it Ok to do this? Is applying heat the wrong thing to do or should I be careful not to do it too often - am I at risk of causing more damage?
Doctor's Answer
by Michael H Kirsch, DDS, Mar 20, 2008 09:07PM
, Mar 20, 2008 09:07PM
First, you should definitely let the surgeon know of your condition so they may follow your progress.
In monitoring nerve dysfunction we look for changes. Tingling, itching, burning, throbbing etc.. It doesn't matter so much in the beginning what you are feeling so long as it is not the exact same thing all the time.
Certain nerve injuries do much better with earlier intervention (medications) and in some cases surgical repair.
I do not advise applying any heat after surgery to my patients.
Make sure your surgeon is aware of your condition ASAP.
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.
In monitoring nerve dysfunction we look for changes. Tingling, itching, burning, throbbing etc.. It doesn't matter so much in the beginning what you are feeling so long as it is not the exact same thing all the time.
Certain nerve injuries do much better with earlier intervention (medications) and in some cases surgical repair.
I do not advise applying any heat after surgery to my patients.
Make sure your surgeon is aware of your condition ASAP.
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.
