Paresthesia/Facial Numbness after Wisdom Teeth Removal

[billsfan6011]

I had my Wisdom Teeth taken out 2 weeks ago...ever since then my right lip and chin have been completely numb...I went back to the Oral Surgeon who wants to wait a month to see what happens, I have a follow up appointment in November right before Thanksgiving.  Is there anything I can do to help?  Based on common experience, how long does nerve damage "usually" take to heal?  I feel like I am in the dark...I cannot stand it...I am getting married next year and want to be able to kiss my husband!  Also, what is the % chance that is could be permanent?

Thank you in advance for all answers, I am so scared!

[yellowbirdhead]

I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled 5 to 6 years ago- they had to cut deeply into my bottom left tooth for its extraction.  They ended up cutting a nerve at the site and to the present day, the bottom left half of my lip and chin are still in the numb/tingling phase for nerve awakening. The nerve damage- I am almost positive of- is what caused the development of a condition known as burning mouth syndrome.  So my tongue is hypersensitive to acidic, hot, or spicy foods- which causes my tongue to burn for long periods of time.  It's annoying and painful but you learn how to cope with your burdens.  I slur a little at times but I managed to learn how to drink liquids without it leaking out the corner of my mouth.  

I don't think at any point I felt  that it mattered whether or not I lost feeling in a side of my mouth, or that I have to deal with frequent headaches and eating pain- many people in this modern age are brought up to rely on ailments the moment they experience discomfort .  Pain is a very normal part of life and we should be learning how to mentally, and medically, cope with our burdens and find long term relief.

[Aprilchristine]

Thank you for the update! I am so glad to hear that you are better! Always good to hear that someone has healed from this, giving the rest of us a little hope. It has been 10 weeks and the feeling in my chin is still not normal. I too tried a short course of steroids, and it seemed to help slightly. I am not completely numb anymore, and can detect cold and heat. But it is still very uncomfortable most of the time. I look forward to the day that I can report that I am back to normal as well. You are right though. Doctors don't seem to emphasize, and friends/family don't really get it.

[auburn824]

it's been a little over a month since my last post. I think the region of my lip and chin that was numb was getting smaller gradually, but it was difficult to be sure. sometimes i would wake up and be sure i could feel my lip again, only to realize later nothing had changed. i good test was shaving. i couldn't feel the blade on my chin and had to buy an electric razor. but anyways, my new doctor gave me some steroids recently, and the problem has disappeared. i am back to normal. thanks for your concern. Looking back, i was being dramatic. However, I wish my doctor would emphasized these side effects more, and been more sympathetic after the fact (instead of just saying "well, you signed the consent form"). And none of my friends took the problem seriously either, which was upsetting.

[llanicruz]

It's really unfortunate that so many of you don't seem to have been made aware of the risks involved with your wisdom teeth removal. I'm sorry you're having a bad time of it. When I was made aware I was high risk, my molars were horizontal and in the canal, I was sent to a local maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in this procedure.

Paresthesia can happen when the nerve is plucked, vibrated or otherwise affected in the surgery. I got only a mild version that started clearing up the same day. I was told that the intensity and healing process will vary based on the initial injury, age and overall health. The younger you are the "quicker" it will heal. As you get older, nervous tissue which is already slow to heal will take longer and longer. Add to that poor diet or other health issues (especially in the same are you run the risk of taking years and years to heal if it ever does). I was made aware up front that paresthesia can be permanent in some cases.  I hope in the time since this many of you have found relief, and that anyone reading this before their procedure makes sure they go to the best possible surgeon so they minimize their risks.

[freedom59]

my daughter, 23 yrs old, had a lower, right side wisdom tooth removed about 3 weeks ago by a dentist at the Dove Dental Clinic in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. Still, today, the entire right side of her tongue is numb, her lip is numb, she has terrible pain in her teeth and gums, sensitivity to cold/hot, has trouble speaking and pronounciating her words properly now because of numbness and she drooles uncontrolably now. She is in college to become a professional and is so very, very embarrased at the comments people make as they notice her speach being off and she is very concerned how this numbness issue is going to affect, adversely affect her career now. I understand your concerns too and your worries, having had to see my daughter suffering much as you are.  Sincerely my heart goes out to you. With respect....Carol (***@****)

[Aprilchristine]

I've done a lot of reading and research on this in the last three weeks, and I do believe if you are patient that the feeling in your chin and lip will return. Please don't give up hope! Mine has been numb for three weeks, but little by little, I am noticing improvements. The area that is numb seems to be getting a tiny bit smaller. I know it's difficult, but don't give up! If you close your eyes, can you feel if anyone touches your chin at all or is it completely numb?