Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. While routine, patients can experience various post-operative symptoms, including tongue numbness. Understanding what to expect during recovery helps manage concerns.
Understanding Numbness: The Nerves Involved
Tongue numbness after wisdom tooth extraction relates to the intricate network of nerves in the jaw and mouth. The lingual nerve is responsible for sensation and taste for the front two-thirds of the tongue. This nerve originates from the trigeminal nerve and courses through the lower jaw region. It travels along the inner surface of the mandible, often in close proximity to the lower wisdom teeth.
The inferior alveolar nerve is also in this area. This nerve provides sensation to the lower teeth, gums, lower lip, and chin. While it does not directly innervate the tongue, its close anatomical relationship to the wisdom teeth means it can be affected during extraction, and issues with it can sometimes be confused with tongue numbness.
Reasons for Tongue Numbness
Tongue numbness after wisdom tooth extraction can stem from several factors. One common cause is direct trauma or pressure on the lingual nerve during the extraction process. This can involve stretching, bruising, or, rarely, a laceration, especially if the wisdom tooth is deeply impacted or has roots close to the nerve’s path. The nerve is not encased in bone like the inferior alveolar nerve, making it more vulnerable.
Post-operative swelling and inflammation can also contribute to temporary numbness. Swelling tissues can put pressure on nearby nerves, including the lingual nerve, leading to a transient loss of sensation. This pressure typically resolves as swelling subsides over a few days. Additionally, local anesthetic effects can persist for several hours after extraction, causing immediate, expected numbness in the tongue and surrounding areas. In some instances, the anesthetic needle itself can irritate or bruise the nerve, leading to lingering numbness.
How Long Numbness Can Last
The duration of tongue numbness following wisdom tooth extraction varies considerably. Most cases of numbness are temporary, due to lingering local anesthetic effects, which typically wear off within a few hours. Numbness caused by post-operative swelling or minor nerve irritation often resolves within days or a few weeks as the body heals.
In some situations, numbness might last longer, extending for weeks or even several months. This persistent numbness, known as paresthesia, can occur if the nerve experienced more significant bruising, compression, or stretching during the procedure. The nerves often gradually heal, and sensation returns over time, with many showing significant improvement within six months. While permanent tongue numbness is possible, it is rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases, and happens only with severe nerve damage.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some degree of numbness is expected after wisdom tooth extraction, certain signs warrant contacting your dentist for further evaluation. You should reach out if the numbness persists beyond the expected duration of the anesthetic effect, typically more than 24 to 48 hours.
It is also advisable to contact your dental professional if the numbness worsens over time, is accompanied by severe or increasing pain, or if you experience an altered sense of taste on the affected side of your tongue. Difficulty with speaking or eating due to significant numbness or an inability to control tongue movements are also concerning symptoms. Your dentist can assess the extent of the issue through examination and potentially recommend further steps, such as monitoring, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in complex situations, a referral to a specialist.