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Persistent numbness after wisdom teeth removal
I am 23 years old and in excellent health except for one issue:
Three and a half months ago, I had all four wisdom teeth removed. The teeth were vertically impacted with the roots of the teeth above the nerve line. The surgeon expected an easier than average procedure. The extraction when smoothly except that I've had continued numbness in my bottom lip and gums on the left side. It has not improved with time. In my latest follow up, I was told that this numbness might be permanent. I have a few questions:
1) What are the long term effects? Could I have increased numbness or even pain?
2) Is there anything I can do? I was told that the only treatment is a risky nerve graft (from a nerve in the leg). Is there anything else I can do to aide recovery?
3) I am told this condition is rare. Where can I read up more on it?
Three and a half months ago, I had all four wisdom teeth removed. The teeth were vertically impacted with the roots of the teeth above the nerve line. The surgeon expected an easier than average procedure. The extraction when smoothly except that I've had continued numbness in my bottom lip and gums on the left side. It has not improved with time. In my latest follow up, I was told that this numbness might be permanent. I have a few questions:
1) What are the long term effects? Could I have increased numbness or even pain?
2) Is there anything I can do? I was told that the only treatment is a risky nerve graft (from a nerve in the leg). Is there anything else I can do to aide recovery?
3) I am told this condition is rare. Where can I read up more on it?
A related discussion, numbness after wisdom tooth removal was started.
Just thought I'd add that my dentist took out my wisdom teeth when I was 12. I am now 33, and still have numbness on the left side of my tongue. I have been told that it will never go away. It is quite bothersome at times, because I will bite my tongue occassionally when I'm eating. I just have to be very careful. I have found that klonopin does make the tingling sensation go away, even temporarily. I had to see an oral pathologist for this help, however. Good luck.
I cannot give you a formal medical opinion over the internet as this site is purely educational
the nerves that supply the teeth and jaw area, the alveolar nerves, are branches of the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve carrying sensory information from the face into the brain.
In general injury to a nerve cna vary in severity - if there is just an injury to the lining of the nerve (the myelin) there is usually a full recovery. If there is damage to the nerve fiber itself, there may be permament damage, depending on the severity of the damage, whether the nerve is completely sectioned, and the distance of the nerve from its nutriet supply in the nerve cell bodies. Recovery to a nerve may take up to 1 year.
A nerve graft is usually done for nerves supplying paralyzed muscles to try to preserve motor function. The sensory nerves are much smaller and grafting may not suit. The area cold be explored surgically and the nerves tested for damage and continuity by electrical stimulation, but surgery in this area for just a sensory abnormakity could make the risk of surgery
Injuried to nerves are common, most medical testnooks have more information
Good luck
the nerves that supply the teeth and jaw area, the alveolar nerves, are branches of the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve carrying sensory information from the face into the brain.
In general injury to a nerve cna vary in severity - if there is just an injury to the lining of the nerve (the myelin) there is usually a full recovery. If there is damage to the nerve fiber itself, there may be permament damage, depending on the severity of the damage, whether the nerve is completely sectioned, and the distance of the nerve from its nutriet supply in the nerve cell bodies. Recovery to a nerve may take up to 1 year.
A nerve graft is usually done for nerves supplying paralyzed muscles to try to preserve motor function. The sensory nerves are much smaller and grafting may not suit. The area cold be explored surgically and the nerves tested for damage and continuity by electrical stimulation, but surgery in this area for just a sensory abnormakity could make the risk of surgery
Injuried to nerves are common, most medical testnooks have more information
Good luck
isn't it funny ?(if it wasn't sad) Yesterday (5/3) I went to my dentist to do an inlay and he injured my lingual nerve when giving me the anesthesia... Now half of my tongue is numb... hope we get better...
Hi there, sorry about your problem.
I had exactly the same thing 6 years ago. From my experience, it will improve, but will never be the same. In the begining it was even painfull, but as I said, it improved and after a while you can't notice it. I suggest you (i know how hard it can be) trying not to thing all the time about it, somehow this makes things worse.
Hope you feel better soon.
I had exactly the same thing 6 years ago. From my experience, it will improve, but will never be the same. In the begining it was even painfull, but as I said, it improved and after a while you can't notice it. I suggest you (i know how hard it can be) trying not to thing all the time about it, somehow this makes things worse.
Hope you feel better soon.
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