Numbness following wisdom teeth removal is a common and expected part of recovery. It primarily results from the local anesthetic administered by your oral surgeon to ensure comfort. The anesthetic temporarily blocks nerve signals, preventing pain perception.
Typical Numbness Recovery
Numbness after wisdom teeth removal is typically due to local anesthetic, which wears off within a few hours. For most individuals, sensation subsides completely within 3 to 5 hours post-surgery. However, the exact duration can vary based on several factors.
The type and amount of anesthetic used play a significant role in how long the numbness lasts. Some local anesthetics can keep the area numb for 4 to 8 hours. Individual metabolism also influences how quickly the body processes and eliminates the anesthetic, with faster metabolisms regaining sensation sooner.
When Numbness Persists
Sometimes, numbness extends beyond the typical few hours, lasting longer than the local anesthetic’s effects. This prolonged numbness can indicate nerves were affected during extraction. While not always permanent, it requires attention.
Wisdom teeth, especially in the lower jaw, are often near important nerves. The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) runs through the lower jawbone, providing sensation to the lower teeth, lip, and chin. The lingual nerve, closer to the tongue, provides sensation and partial taste. If either nerve is irritated or affected during removal, prolonged numbness can occur.
Understanding Nerve Injury
Prolonged numbness can be a symptom of nerve injury, termed paresthesia or dysesthesia. Paresthesia involves altered sensation like tingling or numbness, while dysesthesia describes an unpleasant altered sensation. These conditions can arise if a nerve is bruised, stretched, or, rarely, severed during extraction.
Nerve injuries are categorized by severity. Neurapraxia is the mildest form, a temporary block in nerve conduction without fiber damage, usually resolving quickly. Axonotmesis means nerve fibers are damaged but surrounding tissue is intact, allowing regeneration over weeks to months. Neurotmesis, the most severe type, involves complete nerve severance, typically requiring surgical intervention for recovery.
Most temporary nerve issues resolve within days or weeks, with many showing significant healing within a month or two. More moderate cases, such as those involving nerve compression, can take 3 to 6 months for sensation to gradually return. While temporary nerve disturbances may occur in a small percentage of cases, permanent damage is rare.
What to Do If Numbness Continues
If numbness persists beyond 24 to 48 hours after your wisdom teeth removal, it is advisable to contact your oral surgeon or dentist. Early assessment of nerve injuries can influence the outcome. Your dental professional can evaluate the extent of the numbness and determine if nerve involvement is likely.
The professional may conduct sensory tests to map the affected area and assess different types of sensation. They might also consider imaging or, in specific cases, nerve conduction testing. Management strategies could include observation, prescription medications like anti-inflammatories or nerve pain relievers, or in some instances, physical therapy to stimulate nerve function. While self-diagnosis is not recommended, prompt communication with your dental team is important for appropriate guidance and care.