A 47-year-old member asked:
Is it ok if my right lip, chin, & gums are still numb 3 weeks after wisdom teeth surgery?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joel Piehlanswered
Periodontics 53 years experience
Nerve injury?: It is possible, because wisdom teeth are often very close to the lower jaw nerve, that the nerve was inadvertently injured when the tooth was extracted. If the tingling has stopped and there is still numbness this could require surgical repair of the nerve. I would contact your oral surgeon so he can determine whether or not the nerve will heal by itself.
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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Reinitzanswered
41 years experience
Yes and no: This is not an uncommon side affect of the surgery. In most cases full feeling comes back but it can months. It depends on how difficult the extraction was.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Paresthesia: Your paresthesia could be related to nerve damage during the procedure, some inflammation and swelling still present, or an infection not completely resolved. The longer the paresthesia lasts, the less the chance of full recovery. The good news is that it's still relatively early in the time range that would allow full recovery. This should be monitored very closely. See comment->.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gary Sandler commented
Dentistry 56 years experience
Provided original answer
The dentist who removed your wisdom tooth should be able to both answer your questions adequately and discuss treatment options. If you feel that is not the case, I would consult with the best Oral Surgeon in your area, which might not be a bad idea anyway.
Aug 4, 2013
Last updated Jul 9, 2022
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