Suffering from nerve damage after wisdom tooth extraction is rare, but it can be extremely distressing if it happens to you. Wisdom teeth removal is a routine dental procedure that many people undergo as their wisdom teeth emerge, often in their late teens or early twenties.
It’s generally safe to have your wisdom teeth removed, but it’s not without potential risks. One of the more serious (albeit less common) complications is nerve damage. Recognising the signs of nerve damage after tooth extraction early is crucial for effective treatment and recovery, mitigating some of the issues that may arise if left untreated.
On this page, we aim to explore the main symptoms of nerve damage after wisdom teeth removal, giving you the appropriate advice on what you should do if you experience any of these signs.
If you’ve already had your wisdom teeth removed and you suffered from nerve damage as a result, we may be able to help you – please call us on 0800 152 2031.
Understanding Nerve Damage After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Nerve damage during wisdom tooth extraction is rare, but it typically occurs when either the inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve is affected, which both branch off from the trigeminal nerve.
These nerves run near the lower jaw and are responsible for the sensation in your chin, tongue, lower lip and gums – if nerve injuries occur, you could potentially lose feeling in these areas and find it hard to eat or speak.
Wisdom teeth do not always grow in alignment, so there is a chance you may have a wisdom tooth near a nerve. If so, this factor can make surgical removal from the extraction site difficult.
One of the main questions we’re often asked is: ‘What are the chances of permanent nerve damage from wisdom teeth?’ The risk of dental nerve damage is relatively low, although it can happen during wisdom tooth removal if the nerve is bruised, stretched or severed during the extraction process. This damage usually leads to a temporary nerve injury – however, permanent changes in sensation can occur in rare cases.
You should always seek out treatment for nerve damage after wisdom tooth extraction if you suspect your dentist has made a mistake. Alternatively, you could consider opening a dental negligence claim.
In the next section, we’ll be covering the main symptoms of nerve injuries after wisdom tooth removal:
- Numbness and tingling
- An altered taste sensation
- Unusual pain and discomfort
- Motor function issues
Numbness & Tingling: The Most Common Signs of Dental Nerve Injury
One of the most common signs of nerve damage after dental treatment is numbness or a tingling sensation – usually present in the lower lip, chin, tongue or gums. This tingling feeling is often described as being like ‘pins and needles’ – it may be persistent, or it may come and go with time.
Numbness is a major factor that indicates that the nerve has been affected, but it’s important to note that this is often temporary. However, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon if the numbness persists after your procedure, so they can assess the extent of the damage in these situations – particularly if the numbness doesn’t improve within a few days or weeks.
“If numbness persists and normal sensation has not returned within 24 hours of an extraction you should consider urgently contacting your dentist as this could be a sign of nerve injury” – Dental Law Partnership, Dental Legal Advisor.
An Altered Taste Sensation After Surgery
Another potential sign of nerve damage when having a wisdom tooth removed is a change in your sense of taste. Usually, if this happens, it’s an indicator that your lingual nerve has been damaged during dental work, as this is the nerve that is responsible for taste sensation in the front two-thirds of your tongue.
In some situations, you may not be able to taste or feel anything at all. If you notice that your food tastes different, or if you experience a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, these factors could also indicate nerve damage. While these symptoms may improve over time, persistent changes in taste should always be evaluated by a dental professional – particularly if you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed.
Unusual Pain and Discomfort After Surgery
Another major sign of a nerve injury after wisdom tooth removal is unusual pain and discomfort which persists after the surgery.
It’s normal to experience some pain after your wisdom teeth have been extracted, and you may feel uncomfortable for a while afterwards too. However, if the pain is sharp, severe or doesn’t subside with time, it may indicate that something more serious has occurred. You may find that the pain is localised to the extraction site or it may start to radiate to other areas over time, such as your ear or your jaw.
Nerve pain is often described as feeling like a burning or electric shock-like sensation, similar to pins and needles. If you’re experiencing this type of pain after surgery, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible, as early medical intervention can vastly improve outcomes and prevent further complications.
Motor Function Issues
Nerve inflammation can affect your overall motor function, leading to difficulties with moving your mouth or controlling your facial expressions. As a result, you may find it difficult to eat or speak properly, which can have psychological ramifications for your self-esteem and confidence, as well as physical consequences.
If you notice any changes in your ability to speak, chew or move your lips, you must contact your oral surgeon immediately. Early treatment can help restore motor function and prevent long-term disability.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Nerve Damage?
If you suspect that you’ve experienced nerve damage after your dentist removed your wisdom teeth, it’s important to act quickly.
In some cases, nerve function can recover on its own over time, depending on the extent of the damage (naturally, minor damage will usually be temporary). However, persistent symptoms may require intervention from a medical professional, such as medication to manage your pain or surgical procedures to repair the nerve.
Your best course of action is to consult with your dentist or an oral surgeon to determine the extent of the damage, before choosing an appropriate treatment plan.
You can also make an official complaint to your dentist within one year of the issue occurring. However, many people instead opt to open dental negligence claims, taking steps to sue their dentist for compensation.
See How Our Clients Rate Us
Of course, before starting the dental negligence claims process, you’ll likely want to see how our clients have rated us in the past.
According to Miss Lauren Jackson…
“I can’t thank Dental Law enough for winning my case for negligence leaving one side of my mouth still numb with permanent damage from having a wisdom tooth extracted. My lovely solicitor Poppy kept me informed and up to date on my case and would often call to see how I was. Outstanding firm, in fact, the best – thank you for everything xx”
You can find more reviews on Trustpilot.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Dental Nerve Damage
Nerve damage after wisdom tooth extraction can be concerning for everyone involved, but recognising the signs early can make a significant difference to the recovery process.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above following your surgery, it’s crucial that you seek out professional advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications, ensuring that you recover fully.
At the Dental Law Partnership, we specialise in dental negligence claims, seeking justice for every client we work with. To find out more about the dental negligence claims process, please make an enquiry with our team today.