Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. When they come in, they can cause pain and discomfort. It is often necessary to have them removed to prevent overcrowding and other issues in the mouth. After having your wisdom teeth removed, you may experience numbness in your mouth due to local anesthetic or sedation that is used during the procedure. The amount of time you remain numb after wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person. In this article, we will discuss how long you can expect to be numb after having your wisdom teeth removed.The most common symptom of numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is a feeling of tingling, burning or numbness in the area around the extraction site. Other symptoms may include temporary loss of feeling in the lower lip, tongue, chin and cheeks. In some cases, patients may experience changes in their sense of taste or difficulty speaking normally due to numbness. It is important to contact your dental surgeon if you experience any of these symptoms after surgery as they can be a sign of nerve damage.
Causes of Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Numbness after a wisdom teeth removal is a common side effect and can be caused by several different factors. The most common cause is nerve damage, which occurs when the surgeon cuts too deep into tissue or bone during the procedure. Nerve damage can also occur due to the inflammation that results from the surgery. Swelling can put pressure on delicate nerves and cause numbness in the area surrounding the surgical site. Additionally, dental anesthesia used during the procedure may also cause nerve damage and numbness in some cases.
In rare cases, numbness after a wisdom teeth removal may be caused by an infection. Infections typically occur when bacteria enters into a wound, leading to inflammation and possible nerve damage. If an infection is present, it will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, and pain in the affected area. It is important to seek medical attention right away if any of these symptoms are present after a wisdom teeth extraction.
The effects of numbness due to wisdom teeth removal typically do not last very long; however, some people may experience persistent numbness or tingling for weeks or months following surgery. In this case, it is important to consult with your dentist so they can properly diagnose and treat any underlying causes of your symptoms.
How Long Does Numbness Last After Wisdom Teeth?
The numbness that follows a wisdom teeth extraction can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It is common for patients to experience some degree of numbness after the procedure, as the local anesthetic used to numb the area of surgery can take some time to wear off. Depending on the specifics of the procedure, the numbness may last for up to two or three days following the removal.
It is important for patients to remain aware of their current level of feeling in their mouth and jaw so that they can recognize any signs of infection or other complications that could arise in the area. If you experience any additional pain, swelling, redness, or heat near where your wisdom teeth were removed, contact your dentist immediately.
In order to prevent any further complications after your procedure, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions given by your oral surgeon or dentist. This may include avoiding certain foods and drinks until sensation returns, taking any medications prescribed by your doctor and monitoring any changes in feeling around the extraction site.
If you experience prolonged numbness after having your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to contact your dentist right away as this could be a sign of nerve damage or other complication resulting from the procedure. Your dentist will be able to determine if further treatment is necessary and help you determine why you are still feeling numb in the area.
All in all, it is normal for some degree of numbness after wisdom teeth removal but if it persists beyond two or three days it is important to contact your doctor right away for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.
Duration of Numbness
The duration of numbness depends on various factors. These include the type of anesthesia used, the dosage, and the area being treated. Other factors that can influence numbness duration include the person’s age, body weight, medical history and overall health. Additionally, the amount of time it takes for anesthesia to take effect may also affect how long numbness lasts.
When a local anesthetic is used, its effects typically last between one and three hours, although they may last longer depending on dosage and other factors. For example, if a large area is being treated with a high dose of anesthetic, this could cause numbness to last four to five hours or more. In contrast, if just a small area is being numbed with a low dose of anesthetic, then numbness may only last for 30 minutes or so.
Age can also affect the duration of numbness. Generally speaking, older people tend to experience longer bouts of numbness than younger people when given similar doses of anaesthetics. This is due to a decrease in nerve conduction velocity as we age; reducing our ability to process anaesthetics quickly and effectively.
Body weight can also affect how long a person remains numb after receiving anesthesia. Generally speaking, larger individuals require higher doses of anesthetic in order to achieve effective numbing; this can lead to longer periods of numbness. Similarly, those with medical conditions such as diabetes may require higher doses in order for the anesthesia to take effect; thus increasing their risk for prolonged periods of numbness.
Overall health can also influence how long it takes for anesthesia to wear off. Those who are in good health tend to experience shorter periods of post-anesthesia numbness than those who are not as healthy. This is because healthy individuals have better circulation and nerve conduction velocity; allowing them to process anaesthetics more quickly.
Finally, the amount of time it takes for anesthesia to take effect can also influence how long a person remains numb after receiving it. If an individual receives too much or too little anesthesia too quickly or slowly respectively they may experience longer bouts of post-anaesthetic numbness than normal. Therefore it is important that individuals receive proper dosages at appropriate intervals in order to minimize their risk for prolonged periods of post-anesthesia numbing sensations.
How To Help Reduce Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
It is common to experience some numbness after wisdom teeth extraction. This is because the procedure involves cutting through the gums and nerves that provide sensation to the area. Fortunately, there are several ways to help reduce the numbness and improve feelings of comfort.
One of the best ways to help reduce numbness after wisdom teeth extractions is by taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. These medications can help reduce inflammation, which can lead to improved nerve function and reduced numbness.
Another effective way to reduce numbness after wisdom teeth removal is to apply a cold compress or an ice pack on the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the area. This can also improve nerve function and reduce numbness.
In addition, it is important to practice good oral hygiene after having wisdom teeth removed. Gently brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush, flossing regularly, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep food particles away from the extraction site and promote healing. This will also reduce inflammation in the area which can improve nerve function and decrease numbness.
Finally, it is important to get plenty of rest following wisdom teeth extraction surgery so that your body has enough time to heal properly. Getting enough sleep allows your body to focus its energy on restoring and regenerating tissue, which helps speed up recovery time and reduces discomfort caused by inflammation or trauma in the area. This will also help improve nerve function which can decrease numbness in the area after wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Risks and Complications of Keeping Wisdom Teeth in Place
The wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth, and most people have them grow in during their late teens or early twenties. While some individuals may be able to keep their wisdom teeth without issue, there are potential risks and complications associated with their presence. Keeping wisdom teeth can lead to overcrowding, impaction, infection, inflammation of the gums and decay.
When wisdom teeth grow in, they can cause overcrowding of other teeth as there is often not enough room for them to fit properly. This can lead to misalignment of other teeth and even damage to the jaw bone. The resulting overcrowding can also increase the risk of tooth decay as it becomes more difficult to clean between all the teeth properly.
Impaction occurs when there is no room for a tooth to emerge from the gum line. This can cause immense pain as well as swelling and infection around the impacted tooth. In some cases, surgical removal is required to alleviate any discomfort caused by an impacted wisdom tooth.
Wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly are also prone to infection due to entrapment of food particles within pockets close to them. This increases the chances for bacteria build-up which can cause gum inflammation and even damage surrounding bone structures.
If left untreated, an abscessed or infected wisdom tooth can spread infection throughout your mouth leading to further complications including cysts or even tumors in some cases. Decay is also a common complication when wisdom teeth are kept in place due to lack of cleaning access around these molars leading to plaque build-up and cavities.
Overall it is important for individuals with wisdom teeth present to visit their dentist regularly and keep up with good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing once per day in order reduce any potential risks associated with keeping these molars in place. If any problems occur then prompt treatment should be sought out from a qualified dental professional for best results.
Should I Be Concerned if I’m Still Numb After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
It is normal to experience some numbness following wisdom teeth surgery. Depending on the level of complexity of the procedure, you may experience some numbness in the lips, cheeks, gums or tongue. This can be due to the anesthetic used during the procedure or from swelling and inflammation in the area.
If you are still feeling numb after wisdom teeth surgery, it is important to contact your dentist for further assessment. In some cases, nerve damage can occur as a result of surgery and this can cause long-term numbness. Your dentist will be able to identify any potential areas of concern and provide treatment as needed.
It is also important to remember that it may take several weeks for all feeling to return to normal in the area after wisdom teeth surgery. If you continue to feel numb after this time period, contact your dentist as soon as possible for further advice.
Your dentist will be able to provide further guidance and advice about your recovery from wisdom teeth surgery and may recommend additional treatments or medications if necessary. Follow their advice carefully and make sure you keep all follow-up appointments that are scheduled so that any potential issues can be identified early on.
Pain Management Tips for Post-Wisdom Teeth Extraction
It is no secret that wisdom teeth extraction can cause significant discomfort and pain. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your pain and accelerate the healing process post-surgery. Here are a few tips for post-wisdom teeth extraction pain management:
First, take your prescribed medication as instructed. Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and narcotic medications can help reduce swelling and ease the pain. Avoid taking any over-the-counter medications without consulting your doctor first as they may interact with your prescribed medications.
Second, apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and ease the pain. Make sure you apply it in 15-minute intervals to avoid any cold injury or numbness in the area.
Third, try using a saltwater rinse on the affected area two to three times a day to keep it clean and free from infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Fourth, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that can irritate the extraction site and slow down the healing process. Stick with soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, applesauce, etc., that don’t require much chewing until you feel better.
Fifth, take short walks around your home or neighborhood regularly to get your blood flowing properly throughout your body and thereby reduce discomfort associated with wisdom teeth extraction surgery.
Finally, if all else fails and you still experience significant pain even after following these tips then contact your dentist immediately so they can assess the situation further and advise you accordingly.
Conclusion
The length of time that one is numb after the removal of wisdom teeth depends on the individual. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient may experience some numbness for up to seven days post-surgery. However, in most cases, this numbness dissipates within 1-4 hours after the procedure. Patients should follow their dentist’s post-operative instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. Pain management techniques such as over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can also help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
It is important to remember that any surgical procedure carries risks, so it is important to discuss any concerns with your dentist prior to undergoing wisdom tooth removal. With proper care and precautions, most individuals are able to recover quickly and without complications from having their wisdom teeth removed.