Dr.David Brooksher, DDS
Address: 1010 South Acadian Thruway, Ste. A, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
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When will jaw numbness after wisdom tooth extraction go away?

Posted on January 28, 2021 by AllSmiles.

A week after getting all my wisdom teeth extracted, the lower left side of my jaw still felt numb. Three days ago, the oral surgeon did sensation tests. I will return in two weeks for a follow-up appointment.

The numbness is causing problems when I eat and brush my teeth. Did the IV sedation affect my jaw nerve? Is there anything else I can do to improve the situation? Is this common, or should I be more concerned than the oral surgeon seems to be? – Thank you. Tiffany P. from Athens, GA

Tiffany,

Thank you for your inquiry. Your description sounds like your lower-left jaw nerve is damaged. The extent of the damage determines how much the nerve will recover.

Nerve Damage with Wisdom Tooth Removal

Nerve damage can occur with wisdom teeth removal because the nerve for your lower teeth and lip is close to your wisdom tooth roots. During wisdom tooth removal, the nerve can be damaged. But the damage is not related to receiving sedation to help you relax before the procedure. Before surgery, an oral surgeon should do the following:

  • X-ray your teeth and jawbone to see the location of the nerve
  • Notify you of the risk of damaging the nerve during wisdom teeth removal

Many surgeons overestimate the risk of nerve damage to protect themselves from possible lawsuits.

Categories of Nerve Injury During Wisdom Tooth Removal

The three categories of nerve injury during wisdom tooth removal have different results:

Photo of woman sitting back in a dental chair with her eyes closed; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry during tooth extraction.

Sedation relaxes you during tooth extraction but does not cause lingering jaw numbness

  • Bruised – You will feel numbness for about a month, after which the feeling will return.
  • Crushed – Symptoms last about a year as new nerve fibers grow.
  • Severed – Permanent injury prevents nerve fibers from regrowing, and you will continue to experience symptoms.

What to Expect

  • Depending on the extent of damage to the nerve in your jaw, you may not see improvement when you return to your oral surgeon for a checkup.
  • It may take a month or up to a year for improvement. If the nerve can recover, you will begin to feel tingling in your lip as it heals.
  • Some patients say that their body adjusts to the numbness and symptoms become less intense even with a severed nerve.

Although there isn’t anything you can do to repair the nerve, try to be patient as you wait for signs of improvement. Your oral surgeon can advise you on how much progress you might expect to feel over the next few months.

 

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Filed Under: Sedation Dentistry Tagged With: mandibular nerve, secation tooth extraction, sedation dentistry, sedation wisdom teeth extraction, tooth extraction jaw numbness, tooth extraction nerve bruised, tooth extraction nerve crushed, tooth extraction nerve damage, tooth extraction nerve severed, tooth extraction numb lip, wisdom tooth extraction, wisdom tooth extraction jaw numb

Dr. David Brooksher, DDS.
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“I have horrible anxiety at dental offices. I have never been as comfortable as I am at Dr. Brooksher’s office. Everyone is really nice, accommodating, and understanding!”

Jay Alex

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“Dr. Brooksher is humble, kind, funny, and easy to get along with. His staff is friendly, too! I have the utmost respect for his work. I've never been this comfortable going to the dentist.”

Christopher Jeffers

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“Dr. Brooksher came highly recommended by so many of my present and former coworkers. I've had fear of the dentist all my life and finally got the courage to go. I can now say for myself that he is the best—hands down.”

Patricia Madison Anthony

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“Sometimes I feel that Dr. Brooksher and his staff care more about my teeth than I do. They are professional and prompt, so definitely be on time for your appointment!”

Brock George

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“I’ve been a patient at Dentistry by Brooksher for more than 15 years. They are always thorough and professional. Dr. Brooksher explains your options and the best treatment plans. He and his staff are a pleasure to deal with.”

Wilson Alvarez

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Map Too Brooksher Dental Office
Steven H. Brooksher, DDS, AAACD, FICOI
1010 South Acadian Thruway
Ste A
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

OFFICE HOURS Mon - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday (Every other) - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

PHONE (225) 346-8625

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Dr. David Brooksher, DDS.
Address: Steven H. Brooksher, DDS
1010 South Acadian Thruway, Ste A
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 346-8625
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Brooksher
    • Meet Our Team
    • Your First Visit
    • Map to Our Office
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Policies
    • Pay Online
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Smile Gallery
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Smile Makeover
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Tooth Replacement
    • Dental Implants
    • Implant Overdentures
    • All-on-4 Dental Implants
    • Dentures
  • Sedation
  • Other
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Invisalign
    • Metal-Free Dentist
    • Porcelain Crowns