Undergoing wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, and while the focus is often on managing pain and swelling, some individuals experience a change in their sense of taste afterward. This alteration can be unsettling and prompt questions about its duration. While it is a recognized side effect, it is typically a temporary condition that resolves as the mouth heals from the extraction.
Understanding Taste Alterations
Taste changes after wisdom teeth removal can arise from several anatomical factors. The lingual nerve, which provides general sensation and taste to the front two-thirds of the tongue, runs close to the wisdom teeth in the lower jaw. This nerve, along with the chorda tympani (a branch of the facial nerve that carries taste information), can be irritated, bruised, or damaged during the extraction process. Pressure from the surgical instruments or direct contact with the nerve can lead to temporary taste disturbances.
Inflammation and swelling following the surgery also contribute to altered taste perception. As the body initiates its healing response, increased blood flow to the surgical site can cause swelling that temporarily interferes with the function of taste buds or presses on nearby nerves. Post-surgery medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, can also have side effects like a metallic or bitter taste, further influencing taste perception. The healing process itself, including the regeneration of nerve tissues and the presence of stitches, can also temporarily affect how taste buds work.
Expected Recovery Period
The timeline for taste to return after wisdom teeth removal varies among individuals, but it generally resolves within a few days to several weeks. In milder cases, where taste changes are primarily due to inflammation or temporary nerve irritation, improvement can be noticed relatively quickly, often within the first stage of healing. This usually means a return to normal taste within one to two weeks.
If the lingual nerve experienced slight irritation, the taste alteration might persist for a longer period, potentially up to two to three months, as the nerve regenerates. While less common, severe nerve damage can extend the recovery period to six months or even longer for taste to fully return. Most people, however, experience a gradual improvement, with their taste sensitivity returning to its baseline as the mouth continues to heal.
When to Consult a Professional
While taste changes are a common and usually transient side effect of wisdom teeth removal, there are circumstances when professional consultation is warranted. If taste issues show no improvement after several weeks, or if symptoms worsen, contact your oral surgeon or dentist. Persistent taste changes beyond the typical recovery period, especially if accompanied by severe pain or signs of infection, could indicate a complication.
Other concerning signs include a complete loss of taste in a specific area of the tongue, ongoing numbness, or a persistent bad taste or odor that does not improve with rinsing. These symptoms might suggest nerve damage or an infection at the extraction site. Although most taste alterations resolve spontaneously, a professional evaluation can help rule out underlying issues, provide reassurance, and guide any necessary further treatment.