AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor at State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Question The dentist suggest that i have all my wisdom teeth extracted and suggested me to a surgeon. The top two wisdom teeth could come in, but would be a little tight come in (in fact the left top has all ready come in a little bit).
The bottom two are both impacted horizontally towards the other teeth. I am very concerned about my lingual nerve being damage during the extraction. I am wondering how common is it that the lingual nerve is damaged when people have horizontally impacted teeth? I just really don't know what to do in my situation, I really don't want to loose taste, feeling, have pain, or sensations on my toung or mouth. On the 7th I will be going to the surgeon for him to look at it and make an appointment. What should i ask him that would most benefit or hopefully prevent damage to the nerve?
Answer MIchael - During the extraction of a horizontally impacted tooth, injury to both the mandibular nerve and the lingual nerve are possible. The chances of the lingual nerve being injured are not very high at all as long as the surgeon is careful. Of course, occasionally the nerve is located in a different anatomical position and those are the ones that usually sustain injury.
So the chances are small, but possible. You should definitely address your concern to the surgeon. He should be honest and tell you that it is possible, but don't be overly concerned unless he advises you that there is a good chance (rare). You should not do anything different, it is totally up to the surgeon to be as careful as possible to prevent damage.
Any further questions, feel free to contact me again.
