Still little bit numbness in teeth due to chin implant surgery after three years - Normal?

Question

im 22 .i did chin implant surgery three years ago .its fine but a little bit of numbness in my tooth and a small irritation in stitches inside my mouth ,is it fine or not?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.   This is not common, but if new, the implant may have migrated and need adjustment.  Followup with your surgeon for evaluation.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

John Frodel, MD · Answer

I recommend that you see your surgeon to determine whether the implant has either migrated or eroded into the bone.  An xray might be helpful to determine this.  Your symptoms are not common after routine chin implantation.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Permanent numbness is unusual though possible after chin implant surgery. Persistent numbness may be caused by nerve irritation due to the position of the implant. For the stitches, it is highly unlikely that your surgeon will use non-dissolvable stitches and since it had been 3 years, any dissolvable stitch that was used should be gone by now. It may be better if you see your surgeon for an evaluation.

Still little bit numbness in teeth due to chin implant surgery after three years - Normal?

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Still little bit numbness in teeth due to chin implant surgery after three years - Normal?

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Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

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