Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 12/24/2007

Question
I had 2 feelings about 7 days ago.  They were on the lower right portion of my mouth.  It's now been 7 days and I still have numbness on the side of my tongue where the fillings were done.  Also when shaving I notice that the feeling of my right cheek vs. my left is still a bit numb as well.  Is this something that I should worry about or will it eventually go away?  Could I have permanent nerve damage?

Answer
Tim,

Persistent numbness following a dental procedure in that region of the mouth occurs in a very small percentage of individuals.  This is most often due to unavoidable nerve trauma during the administration of the local anesthetic.  When the anesthetic is injected, the goal is to deposit the anesthetic solution near the nerve trunk.  Since the dentist cannot actually see where the nerve is located, the injection is guided based on average anatomy.  If the anesthetic needle strikes the nerve directly, trauma to the nerve trunk may occur.

Much of the time, nerve injuries of this sort will heal spontaneously over several weeks.  The numbness tends to gradually become less pronounced until it is completely gone.  However, sometimes the nerve may be unable to heal and permanent numbness, tingling, or sensitivity may result.

I recommend you advise your dentist of what has transpired.  Surgical nerve repair is sometimes possible.  Early intervention appears to be a key to surgical success.  If the numbness remains 3-4 weeks after the initial dental procedure, you may want to see a neurologist or neurosurgeon for consultation.

Tim, I wish you well.

Steve