Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, often done to address impaction or overcrowding. Following this surgery, experiencing numbness in the mouth and surrounding areas is an anticipated part of recovery. This numbness results directly from the anesthesia used during the extraction. Understanding its typical duration can help manage expectations during the healing period.
Expected Numbness Duration
The duration of numbness after wisdom teeth removal depends on the type of anesthesia used. Local anesthesia, injected into the surgical area, causes numbness that lasts for 3 to 5 hours. Some individuals may experience numbness for up to 6 to 8 hours, or even 12-24 hours if a long-acting local anesthetic or nerve block was used, particularly in the lower jaw.
IV sedation induces a relaxed state, reducing awareness. The immediate numbing effect still comes from a local anesthetic, but IV sedation’s sedative effects can cause drowsiness for at least 12 hours, wearing off fully around 24 hours. General anesthesia renders you unconscious and also uses local anesthetics; numbness from these injections follows the 3-5 hour timeline, even after awakening.
Factors Influencing Numbness
Several elements can influence how long numbness persists after wisdom teeth removal. The type and amount of anesthetic administered influence duration; stronger or larger doses can lead to longer reduced sensation. The complexity of the extraction procedure also affects duration; more difficult removals, like impacted teeth or those close to nerves, can irritate surrounding nerves and prolong numbness.
Individual differences, such as metabolism, also impact how quickly the anesthetic wears off. People with faster metabolisms may experience the return of sensation sooner. Swelling in the surgical area can exert pressure on nearby nerves, extending numbness until it subsides.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While temporary numbness is expected, persistent or unusual numbness warrants contacting your oral surgeon or dentist. If numbness lasts beyond 24 hours, or if you notice asymmetrical numbness (only on one side or significantly different from the other), contact your oral surgeon or dentist. This could indicate paresthesia: persistent numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the lips, chin, or tongue.
Paresthesia can result from nerve irritation, compression, or, rarely, nerve damage during the procedure, particularly to the inferior alveolar nerve or lingual nerve. While temporary nerve issues occur in 0.5% to 5% of cases and often improve over time, lasting damage is less common, affecting less than 1% of patients. Prompt communication allows for assessment and potential management, which may include anti-inflammatory medications or, rarely, nerve repair surgery.
Coping with Numbness Post-Surgery
Managing numbness after wisdom teeth removal involves careful attention to daily activities to prevent accidental injury. Consume only soft foods that do not require extensive chewing, such as smoothies, yogurt, or applesauce, until sensation returns. Avoiding hot beverages is also important, as you may not be able to accurately gauge temperature and could inadvertently burn your mouth.
Exercising caution when speaking or chewing helps prevent accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip, which can cause painful ulcerations. Gently massaging the outside of your jaw and cheeks can help stimulate blood flow and potentially reduce numbness duration. Remaining hydrated and maintaining good oral hygiene by carefully brushing around the surgical site, without disturbing it, also supports healing.