Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgical procedure. Experiencing numbness in the mouth is a natural and expected part of recovery, primarily resulting from the local anesthesia administered during the extraction. Understanding the duration and implications of this numbness can help manage expectations during the healing period.
Typical Numbness Duration
The immediate numbness after wisdom teeth removal is a direct effect of local anesthetics. For most people, this initial numbness typically lasts two to six hours. However, depending on the specific anesthetic used, sensation can persist for up to eight to twelve hours, particularly if a longer-acting agent like bupivacaine is utilized.
As the local anesthetic wears off, individuals often notice a gradual return of sensation. This may manifest as a tingling feeling, sometimes described as “pins and needles,” as nerves reactivate. The full return of sensation is usually progressive, with most significant numbness dissipating within the first day.
Factors Affecting Numbness
The duration of numbness varies significantly among individuals due to several influencing factors. The type and amount of local anesthesia administered play a substantial role. Different anesthetics, such as lidocaine versus bupivacaine, have varying durations of action. For instance, plain lidocaine may last one to two hours, lidocaine with epinephrine two to four hours, and bupivacaine up to eight hours.
The complexity of the wisdom teeth extraction also influences the anesthetic’s duration. More involved procedures, such as those for deeply impacted teeth, may necessitate larger doses or longer-acting agents. Individual metabolism is another contributing factor; faster metabolisms process anesthetic more quickly, leading to shorter numbness. The proximity of the anesthetic injection to major nerves, such as the inferior alveolar nerve, can result in more profound or extended numbness in that specific area.
Persistent Numbness and When to Seek Help
While temporary numbness is a normal post-operative experience, prolonged or persistent numbness is a less common but more concerning scenario. This can occur if a nerve, such as the inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve, is irritated, bruised, or damaged during the extraction process. These nerves are responsible for sensation in the lower lip, chin, tongue, and gums.
Symptoms of persistent numbness may include a continued lack of sensation, altered sensation, tingling, a “pins and needles” feeling, or pain that lasts for days, weeks, or even months. Contact your oral surgeon if numbness persists beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if accompanied by difficulty moving the tongue or lips, or changes in taste. Most nerve injuries are temporary and resolve over time, but prompt evaluation by your oral surgeon is important for proper assessment and management.
Navigating the Numb Period
Managing daily activities while the mouth remains numb requires careful attention to prevent accidental injury. Avoid biting the cheek, tongue, or lip, as the lack of sensation means you might not realize you are causing harm. Be particularly mindful of this risk during the initial hours following the procedure.
When eating and drinking, stick to soft foods requiring minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies. Avoid hot liquids entirely, as the inability to feel temperature could lead to burns. Chew carefully on the unaffected side of the mouth to protect the extraction site. Stay well-hydrated, but avoid straws, as suction can dislodge the protective blood clot, potentially leading to dry socket. Take prescribed pain medication as directed to manage post-operative discomfort as the anesthetic wears off.