Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 11/2/2008

Question
I am not sure if you can answer my question but it is worth a try. About 7 or 8 months ago I got my 2 bottom wisdom teeth removed. During the first week after my surgery my tongue was completely numb. The numbness on the left side of my tongue wore off but, the right side continued. 8 months later the right side of my tongue is still numb. I am not able to chew on the right side of my mouth without biting on my tongue. Brushing my teeth toward the back of my mouth causes pain on my gum's on the right side of my mouth. I think it may be nerve damage. Is there anything I can do to better my situation?

Answer
it is not uncommon for this to take place. the nerves often run near the wisdom teeth and numbness can take place  when the teeth are removed. many times it is temporary. feeling can return in a few months. but i have heard of things taking 1 year or so as well. sometimes the numbness is permanent. you need to talk to the dentist who removed the teeth to find out more details about what happened and how long this should stay. it is an anatomical type of things in some patients. good luck,

jeff dalin, dds