Can your front teeth become sensitive after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I recently had a rhinoplasty on 10/5/2017. Ever since then, after the stints were removed, my front teeth have been super sensitive. Especially if I go to rub my nose (due to it itching) or if I accidentally twitch my nose. Its not a pain, its just super sensitive, and I don't know if its also because my top lip couldn't connect to my bottom lip, for about a week and a half after surgery, due to bleeding and drip pads, so the air made them that way or not but wanted to ask to be sure.

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common to experience tooth sensitivity following septoplasty or rhinoplasty.  It is due to their sharing of nerves, and will resolve on its own.

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

In the early postoperative period, many different sensations will be altered according to what procedures were performed.  Many times, any manipulation of the anterior nasal spine or caudal septum will lead to swelling and discomfort near the nerves that supply the teeth.  You may also have strange smells, as the olfactory chemoreceptors of the nose are "resetting" themselves after swelling subsides.  If the sensitivity persists beyond 8 weeks, see your dentist to ensure there is nothing else going on.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Just over two weeks after a rhinoplasty you may experience numbness and hypersensitivity in some areas.  This is not uncommon and it will most likely be temporary.  It may last for several more weeks so have patience.  Let your surgeon know so that he may reassure you.
Best of Luck,

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The anterior palatine nerve, which supplies sensation to the upper teeth, can be effected by septorhinoplasty surgery if manipulation is done along the anterior septum and anterior nasal spine. These sensory changes almost always fully recover.

Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS · Answer

The nerves supplying sensation to the front upper teeth are close the base of the nose and work in this area can cause some sensitivity of the teeth but it is usually temporary.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Nerves that are responsible for tooth sensation can get sensitive after rhinoplasty. It is a temporary phenomenon. It is uncommon. It goes away.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The sensitivity may be related to work performed around the base of the nose. This often gets better with time.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

yes, many patients experienced sensitivity of the front teeth after a rhinoplasty procedure. The reason for this is that the nerves that innervate the front teeth also innervate the bottom of the nose. This usually subsides over the next few months after the procedure.

Paul Loewenstein (retired) · Answer

If work is done in the area of the base of the nose known as the anterior nasal spine, it is fairly common for there to be sensitivity of the upper teeth. This should get better over time. If not then be sure and consult with your plastic surgeon who did the operation.

Can your front teeth become sensitive after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (9)

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