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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling And Numbness In The Tongue After Tooth Removal?

I got my wisdom teeth out three days ago, and since then, my tongue has been very swollen and numb. The left half of my lip and chin are numb as well. When I try to open my mouth, the left side of my tongue hurts. I can't eat anything solid, not even soft things like eggs. I haven't been able to call the dentist or oral surgeon because it's been the weekend and presidents day. What could be wrong with me? I know that it's possible that it could be nerve damage, but how could I go the rest of my life without being able to eat solids? I hardly eat because of this and I don't know what to do.
Fri, 7 Apr 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Numbing of the lip, chin and tongue occurs due to traumatic injury to the inferior dental nerve while removal of the wisdom tooth as many a times the inferior dental nerve lies very close to the roots of wisdom teeth..
Many a times there can be slight injury leading to temporary numbing and the sensation will start recovering in a week..
But if the nerve is split into two parts then unfortunately the numbing can be permanent..
Pain and swelling after extraction is not abnormal and will gradually improve in next 2-3 days..
So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Surgeon and get evaluated and a clinical examination and x ray only exact condition of the nerve can be ruled out.
As of now take anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen for pain and swelling and do cool compresses..
Take Vitamin B complex supplements as it helps in nerve regeneration and repair..

Hope this helps..

Regards..
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What Causes Swelling And Numbness In The Tongue After Tooth Removal?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Numbing of the lip, chin and tongue occurs due to traumatic injury to the inferior dental nerve while removal of the wisdom tooth as many a times the inferior dental nerve lies very close to the roots of wisdom teeth.. Many a times there can be slight injury leading to temporary numbing and the sensation will start recovering in a week.. But if the nerve is split into two parts then unfortunately the numbing can be permanent.. Pain and swelling after extraction is not abnormal and will gradually improve in next 2-3 days.. So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Surgeon and get evaluated and a clinical examination and x ray only exact condition of the nerve can be ruled out. As of now take anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen for pain and swelling and do cool compresses.. Take Vitamin B complex supplements as it helps in nerve regeneration and repair.. Hope this helps.. Regards..