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Question
I had my 4 wisdom teeth out on Monday (3rd Nov) and am still in alot of pain, what I was not expecting was a change in my tongue. It feels almost as if the tip was burnt. It is painful and yet somhow numb at the same time. Is this normal and will it go away. Please help!

Answer
Hi Ruth

When lower wisdom teeth are removed there can be some bruising or damage to the nerve that supplies your tongue - and this is what you are experiencing.  In the vast majority of cases it returns to normal with time, although some people are left with permanent altered sensation.

Give it some time and it should return to normal.

Regards

Tony Appleton

Dentistry

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Tony Appleton BDS DPDS

Expertise

I am an experienced general dental practitioner in private dental practice. I have worked for the past 25 or so years in the UK, and own a busy practice in Stratford upon Avon, Stratford Dental. From early 2012 my wife and I moved to Canberra, Australia, where I have taken up the position of Lead Dentist in a large city-centre practice. I will happily answer questions related to general practice, and have interests in endodontics (root canal), dental implants, CEREC/E4D cad-cam dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

Experience

I have been a general dental practitioner for over 25 years, working initially under the NHS, but since 2001 have been solely in private practice. I run a busy practice with my wife, Lisa, who is also a dentist. I have also been closely involved in the training of young dentists, and have lectured to dentists on a variety of subjects, both clinical and managerial, related to general dental practice.

Organizations

Church Street Dental Practice

Stratford Dental

Modern Dentistry

British Dental Association



Publications

British Dental Journal

Cancer Treatment Reviews



Education/Credentials
BDS Sheffield 1986 DPDS Bristol 2001

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