Is it normal to have severe jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal? I already contacted my oral surgeon and dentist. It will be two weeks since I got the surgery. The oral surgeon did sensation tests and asked me to return in two weeks. I notice the sensation most when I eat, chew, or brush my teeth. Because of this, I canceled my in-office teeth whitening and the beginning date for braces. Will I be stuck like this? – Thanks. Dakota
Hi, Dakota,
Thank you for contacting Dr. Delaune’s office in Metairie regarding jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal.
What Causes Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Nerve damage causing lingering jaw numbness after wisdom teeth removal. Most surgeons evaluate the risk of nerve damage during surgery. The nerve that travels to your lower teeth, chin, and lower lip is close to the roots of your lower wisdom teeth.
Is Jaw Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal Permanent?
How long jaw numbness lasts can depend on the type of nerve damage. Below are the classifications and what to expect:
- Bruising – You will feel numbness for about a month, after which the feeling will return progressively.
- Crushing – You will feel numbness for a year as the nerve grows new fibers.
- Severing – A severed nerve will not regrow, and the damage is permanent.
What Can You Expect?
If you have nerve damage, expect it to last at least a month. You may not feel improvement before your follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon.
As the nerve recovers, you will feel lip tingling first and gradual improvement. Meanwhile, patiently wait for the nerve to heal.
Talk to your dentist about rescheduling your teeth whitening treatment. Your orthodontist will consult with the oral surgeon to assess your recovery and when it is safe to begin treatment.
Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.