Nerve damage after a dental injection
If you have had a dental procedure involving anaesthetic, you are likely to have received an injection, which delivers the local anaesthetic into the part of the mouth or gum that requires numbing. For most patients, the anaesthetic injection doesn’t cause any issues; the area is simply numbed for a few hours so that the dental procedure can go ahead without the patient feeling any pain. However, it can be possible for the injection, if delivered incorrectly or without the necessary level of skill, to cause nerve damage.
This nerve damage could be minor, and the symptoms may disappear on their own after a few days or weeks. Alternatively, the nerve could potentially be damaged more seriously, which may mean long-term or even permanent symptoms.
See if you have a case for dental negligence
The signs of nerve damage after a dental injection
Some of the signs of nerve damage after receiving a dental injection may include:
- A lack of sensation in the area treated even after the anaesthetic should have worn off
- Numbness or lack of feeling in the tongue, gums, cheeks, jaw or face
- A pulling or tingly sensation in these areas
- Pain or a burning feeling in these areas
- Loss of taste or things tasting unusual
- Difficulties with forming speech due to one or more of the above symptoms
- Difficulties with eating due to one or more of the above symptoms
Depending on the severity of the nerve damage you suffer, you may experience some or all the above signs and the symptoms may be short-lived or more long-lasting.
If your dentist didn’t perform your treatment to an acceptable standard, this could be considered dental negligence and you may be able to make a claim for the nerve damage that you sustained as a result.
There is a time limit for claims of this type, so it’s recommended that you speak to an experienced dental negligence solicitor as soon as possible after realising that you have been injured by a mistake that your dentist has made. If you’re not sure whether you have a claim, our team of specialists can find out about your circumstances and offer free initial advice. Get in touch today on 0808 120 8730 or request a call back.