Numb/Tingling Sensation after wisdom teeth pull?

Question

Hi,

I just had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled this past Thursday, July 31st. I'm 20 years old and the doc said everything went great. But after all the general numbing went away, I still have this numb/tingling sensation in my lower lip, chin, and teeth... on the right side. I read that this can happen if a nerve is just bruised or damaged. I really hope this goes away soon but I would like to know if anyone had this issue after they had their wisdom teeth pulled and if it healed and how long it took to heal? When did the numbness/tingling sensation go away?

Thanks for any and all help with this! It's greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

I am a qualified Dental Nurse.

During removal of wisdom teeth, the nerve that supplies the tooth can become bruised. This can cause paraesthesia (tingling ) of the lip.  This usually goes away once the socket has healed and the nerve settles down. Tingling rather than a numb feeling is usually a good sign that the nerve will recover. I guess you had a bad extraction that required some drilling?

Don't worry too much but go back after a few weeks if it has not settled, I am sure it will.

Answer 2

I had my wisdom teeth removed 2 mths ago. The ordeal was less than pleasant. I had jaw pain (due to having some jaw bone removed for the procedure), developed an infection and couldn't eat solids for 2weeks. I also discovered that my lower lip and chin on the right hand side was numb following the anesthesia wearing off. However, I come bearing great news. The feeling in my chin and lips did return after 6 or so weeks. I was very panicked at the time and read about lots of people with numbness in forums/internet. Unfortunately there were not alot of positive stories (I think due to the fact that those who get better don't report back!). So I wanted to say if you are out there, concerned like I was, be rest assured that recovery does happen. I was completely numb and gradually got feeling back over the 6week period. The area first tingled only on touch, then on its own, then pins and needles came and sharp electric shock type sensations. That was in week 3. Then it began to tingle again only on touch. And then one day I woke up and it was all back to normal! :) best of luck!