Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 11/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had an apicoectomy on tooth #30 Oct. 14, 2009.  Extreme pain after local numbing subsided in jaw.  Tip and left side of tongue felt painful - tingly and numb.  Subsequently, tooth was extracted Oct. 27.  Jaw pain diminished.  However, there has been no decrease in painful tongue -- tip of tongue extending along the entire right side.  Avised endondist of tongue discomfort on several subsequent visits as well as oral surgeon. Help

ANSWER: Hi Diane,

Before I try to help here, did you feel like an electric shock on your tongue when the dentist was giving you the injection?

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No.  Just the usual
pinches to the jaw.

Answer
Thanks Diane,

It sounds like you are suffering from the after affects of trauma to the nerve that serves your tongue. This is a potential risk when doing surgery on lower molar teeth as that nerve runs in the area of the surgery. If that is what is happening, there is really no quick fix....the trauma just needs to heal. The length of time varies a lot between individuals from a couple of weeks to several months. It's a tough situation. There is no way to hurry healing....you just need time.

Sorry for the bad news.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD