Numbness Since 1 and 1/2 Year After Wisdom Teeth Extraction, What Should I Do?

Question

My right jaw hidden wisdom tooth was removed during March, 2012, since then there is a numbness in right side lips and down to jaw. Since 1 and 1/2 year no sign of feeling. When contacted the dentist he told I have to wait it will come on its own. Please suggest me shall I wait some more time or consult any specialist.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

Unfortunately 1.5 yrs of numbness most likely will not get better.  The dentist should have referred you immediately to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to evaluate the situation to see if nerve repair was necessary.  The inferior alveolar nerve heals best during the first 3-4 months, if no intervention is done the numbness usually does not return if attepts at repair are past 1 year.  That being said, I would still seek the advice of and oral & maxillofacial surgeon that performs trigeminal nerve microsurgical repair because you may still get some benefit depending on the situation.  There are not many oral surgeons that perform this surgery.  Depending on where you are located would determine who you would need to see.

Bradley Matthew, DDS · Answer

You could visit a specialist (an oral surgeon) but I don't think there is going to be anything they can do for you.  Nerve damage can happen when an impacted wisom tooth is removed, as I'm sure you were told.  Time can heal the nreve but sometimes if the damage is too great, the nerve may never recover.  For you it will continue to be a waiting game.  Good luck.

Murray Bruckel, DDS (retired) · Answer

You are experiencing what's called parasthesia.  It can result from an extraction during which the nerve was damaged.  It can take years for the feeling to come back.  Speak to an oral surgeon.

Numbness Since 1 and 1/2 Year After Wisdom Teeth Extraction, What Should I Do?

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Numbness Since 1 and 1/2 Year After Wisdom Teeth Extraction, What Should I Do?

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