Numbness After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Numbness after wisdom tooth removal is a common experience and usually nothing to worry about. The numbness you experience is typically the result of the local anaesthetic your dentist used during the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable and feel no pain. Read this article to learn why numbness happens, how long it usually lasts, and what to do if it is still there longer than expected.
Understanding Nerve Anatomy and Its Role in Numbness
Numbness after wisdom teeth removal happens because of two main nerves in your jaw: the inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve. These nerves send signals from your jaw, teeth, gums, and tongue to your brain. Wisdom teeth are often really close to these nerves, so, during surgery, the nerves may get a little irritated. Dentists are very careful, but because everything is so close, numbness may still happen. Numbness after wisdom tooth removal is usually temporary, and the nerves heal on their own over time.
Possible Causes of Prolonged Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Sometimes, numbness after wisdom tooth removal may last longer than you expected. This does not always mean that there is something wrong. Here’s possible reasons why numbness after tooth extraction may linger:
Nerve Impact: Your nerve may have been affected during wisdom tooth extraction, especially if the tooth was very close to the nerves in your jaw.
Type and Amount of Anaesthesia: The type or amount of the anaesthetic that your dentist uses during your wisdom tooth extraction procedure can sometimes cause numbness to last longer.
Complex Surgery: In some cases, if the procedure was a little more complicated, like removing impacted wisdom teeth, it may irritate the nearby nerves and cause the numbers to last longer.
Swelling: A lot of swelling after wisdom tooth extraction may put pressure on the nerves, and this can make the numbness last longer.
Individual Health Factors: Certain health conditions, like diabetes or poor blood flow, may slow down your recovery and make it take longer to regain normal sensations.
How Long Does Numbness Last After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Numbness after wisdom tooth removal is usually temporary, but how long the numbness lasts can be different from person to person. Here’s what you can generally expect as your sensations start to come back:
Immediate Post-Procedure: Right after the procedure, you won’t feel much due to the local anaesthetic your dentist used. This numbness typically lasts for a few hours.
Returning Sensation: As the anaesthetic wears off, you may start to feel tingling or slight discomfort, which is a sign that your sensation is returning.
Average Duration: For most people, the numbness disappears completely within 3 to 5 hours after wisdom tooth surgery. But it can last longer depending on the type of the anaesthetic used during your tretament and how your body reacts.
Longer Effects: In some cases, especially if the removal was complicated or involved deeper areas, the numbness may last a bit longer. This is usually nothing to worry about unless it lasts more than 24 hours.
Factors Affecting the Duration of Numbness
Several factors can affect how long numbness lasts after your wisdom teeth are removed. The type of anaesthetics and the dosage used for your surgery may affect how long the numbness sticks around. The complexity of the procedure also plays a role. The more extensive and difficult your procedure was, the longer the numbness may last. Individual differences and other factors like your overall health and age can also affect how long the numbness will last. Lastly, the position of your wisdom tooth also matters—if the tooth was close to certain nerves in your jaw, the numbness may take a bit longer to go away.
How to Minimise the Risk of Nerve Damage
Pre-surgical Imaging: Before surgery, our dentists use X-rays or 3D scans to check how close the nerves are to your wisdom teeth.
Choosing an Experienced Oral Surgeon: Having the right expertise is so important for minimising nerve impact during extractions. Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic is well-known for its experience and gentle techniques, which prioritise patients’ safety and comfort.
Gentle Techniques: Dentists who use advanced tools and gentle surgical methods can help reduce the risk of damage or trauma to nerves.
Post-Surgery Care: It is essential that you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to minimise swelling and pressure on the nerves.
When to Contact Your Dentist About Persistent Numbness
It’s important to know when numbness after wisdom tooth removal may require a follow-up with your dentist. Here are some warning signs that it may be time to seek professional advice:
Numbness Lasting Beyond 24 Hours: While some numbness is normal immediately after a wisdom tooth extraction if it persists for more than a day, you should contact your dentist.
Asymmetrical Numbness: If you notice that the numbness is only on one side of your mouth or feels very different from the other side, contact your dentist to see what may be the reason.
Complete Lack of Sensation: If you lose feeling completely and it doesn’t get better or if it starts spreading to other parts of your face, like your cheek or eye, it’s important to see your dentist right away.
Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If you experience severe pain, swelling that gets worse, or signs of infection like a fever along with numbness, it’s really important to contact your dentist immediately.
Specific Treatment Options for Prolonged Numbness
If numbness lasts longer than expected, there are some treatments your Perth dentist may suggest to help with the recovery.
Medications: Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or nerve stimulators to address the issue. These can help reduce discomfort, manage swelling, and encourage nerve healing.
Physical Therapy: Your dentist may recommend some gentle exercises or massage techniques to help stimulate the nerves and get them working again. These therapies can encourage feeling to return and speed up your recovery.
Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, if the nerve has been badly damaged, surgery may be needed to fix the problem. This is typically a last resort and is only considered if other treatments haven’t worked.
Referral to a Specialist: If the numbness doesn’t go away or needs more specialised care, your dentist may send you to a neurologist or another specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is numbness always a sign of nerve damage? No, numbness isn’t always a sign of nerve damage. It’s common to feel numbness after wisdom teeth removal because of the anaesthetic your dentist administered or swelling from the surgery pressing on the nerves. This type of numbness usually goes away on its own as the swelling reduces or the anaesthetic wears off. However, if the numbness lasts for an unusually long time or feels very severe, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist to make sure everything is healing properly.
How long does nerve damage take to heal? If nerve damage happens, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on how serious it is. Minor irritation usually gets better in just a few weeks, but more serious damage can take three to six months or sometimes even up to a year. Nerves heal really slowly, so it’s important to be patient.
Can numbness be reversed completely? In most cases, yes, numbness that is caused by temporary nerve irritation or swelling can be completely reversed once the nerve recovers. If the nerve was damaged more seriously, the recovery may take longer, and in rare cases, it may not fully return to normal.
Does wisdom tooth location increase the risk of numbness? Yes, the location of your wisdom teeth can increase the risk of numbness. Wisdom teeth that are located very close to important nerves in your jaw—like the inferior alveolar or lingual nerve—are more likely to cause numbness if those nerves are irritated or impacted during surgery.
Check out our detailed guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth for additional information.
Your Path to Feeling Better: Let Us Help
If you’re experiencing numbness after wisdom teeth removal or have any other concerns after your surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out (08) 9474 5083. We are here to provide the support and care you need to ensure a smooth recovery.