When it comes to wisdom teeth, one of the most common questions is: when will the numbness go away? Wisdom teeth can cause a great deal of discomfort and even numbness in the gums, jaws, and surrounding areas. Fortunately, there are various treatments and remedies that can help reduce or eliminate this numbness. In this article, we will explore what causes wisdom tooth numbness and discuss when it is likely to go away. We will also provide some tips on how to speed up recovery and prevent further issues from occurring.Numbness after wisdom teeth removal can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is damage to the nerves during the procedure. When the teeth are removed, there is a risk of trauma to nearby nerves, which can lead to temporary numbness and tingling in the area. Additionally, swelling in the area after the procedure can put pressure on nerves and cause them to become temporarily numb. In some cases, post-operative medications such as anesthetics can also contribute to numbness in the area.
How Long Does Numbness Last After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Numbness after having wisdom teeth extracted is a common occurrence and usually lasts for a few hours. However, in some cases, the numbness can last for up to three days. It is important to be aware of how long the numbness should last and when to contact your dentist if it persists.
The numbness occurs due to the local anesthetic used during the procedure. This numbs the area where the teeth are being extracted and helps to reduce any discomfort that may occur during the extraction process. The anesthetic typically wears off within a few hours, but it can last for up to three days in some cases.
During this time, you may experience some tingling or itching sensations in your mouth as the feeling returns. It is important not to touch your mouth or lips with your hands as this can cause irritation and pain. You should also avoid eating hard foods or using straws as these can irritate your gums and cause further pain or discomfort.
It is also important to note that you may experience some bleeding after wisdom teeth extraction due to trauma from the procedure itself. If you notice any excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately as this could be a sign of infection or other complications that need medical attention right away.
In general, numbness after wisdom teeth extraction should only last for a few hours but can last up to three days in some cases. If you experience any excessive bleeding or pain that does not subside within 24 hours, contact your dentist right away as this could be a sign of infection or other complications that need medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Numbness after wisdom teeth removal is a common side effect. It is usually temporary and should go away within a few days, but it can last up to several weeks. The numbness is generally felt in the lower lip, chin, and tongue due to the nerve damage caused by the extraction. Symptoms include: tingling or burning sensation; decreased sensitivity to certain stimuli; inability to taste food properly; difficulty speaking; and difficulty smiling or making facial expressions.
In some cases, the numbness can extend beyond the mouth and into other areas such as the cheeks, neck, and shoulders. This is known as “referred numbness” and typically goes away within a few weeks. In rare cases, it may persist for months or even years. If the numbness does not go away after several weeks or becomes worse, it is important to contact your doctor or dentist for further evaluation.
It is important to note that if you have any concerns about your symptoms after wisdom teeth removal, you should contact your doctor or dentist right away. While numbness after wisdom teeth removal is usually temporary and will resolve on its own in time, there are certain medical conditions that could be causing the symptom and require treatment.
Treating Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is a common side effect that many people experience. It can be a disruptive and uncomfortable feeling, but luckily, there are treatments that can help to alleviate the numbness. Although numbness is usually temporary and will usually resolve on its own, it’s important to take steps to reduce the discomfort and prevent any further complications.
The first step in treating numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is to speak with your dentist or surgeon. They may recommend treatments such as cold compresses or over-the-counter medications to reduce swelling and inflammation which can help reduce the numbness. They may also suggest other remedies such as acupuncture or acupressure that may help improve circulation in the area and reduce the sensation of numbness.
Your dentist or surgeon may also recommend a physical therapy program that focuses on stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve circulation and reduce the sensation of numbness. In addition, they may suggest lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods or beverages that can cause irritation or inflammation in the area which can make the sensation of numbness worse.
Finally, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits following wisdom teeth surgery to prevent infection and further complications. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing at least once per day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash daily. It’s also important to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods which could potentially damage the stitches or cause more swelling in the area leading to increased discomfort from numbness.
Overall, it’s important to take steps to treat any numbing sensations after wisdom teeth surgery as soon as possible. Speak with your dentist or surgeon about treatment options so you can find relief from this uncomfortable feeling quickly and safely.
Possible Complications of Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Numbness after wisdom teeth removal is a common side effect of the procedure, and while it typically resolves itself within a few days, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications. In some cases, the numbness can last for weeks or even months, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling or burning sensations. If these symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical attention in order to determine the cause and possible treatments.
The most common complication associated with prolonged numbness after wisdom teeth removal is nerve damage. This can occur during the procedure if the dentist accidentally damages a nerve, which may result in temporary or permanent paralysis of the area around the extraction site. If this occurs, physical therapy may be necessary to regain feeling and full use of the affected area.
Another possible complication of prolonged numbness after wisdom teeth removal is infection. If bacteria enter into the area where the tooth was removed, an infection may occur that requires antibiotics to treat. Symptoms of an infection include pain, redness and swelling at the extraction site. If left untreated, an infection can lead to severe health complications such as sepsis and meningitis.
In rare cases, numbness after wisdom teeth removal can be caused by a condition called trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This disorder involves inflammation of a nerve in your face that results in intense pain on one side of your face when touched or exposed to certain triggers like cold air or eating certain foods. Treatment for TN typically includes medications and/or surgery.
If you experience any symptoms related to numbness after wisdom teeth removal such as tingling or burning sensations that persist for more than a few days, it is important to seek medical attention in order to determine whether more serious complications are present and what treatment options are available.
Preventing Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is a common side effect of the procedure. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the chances of experiencing any numbness after your surgery.
First, it is important to make sure you are well-hydrated before and after your procedure, as dehydration can contribute to numbness. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte drinks, throughout the day and especially on the day of your surgery.
Second, it is important to keep your head elevated during the recovery period. This will help to reduce swelling and reduce pressure in the area where you had surgery. Additionally, sleeping on your back or in a recliner can also help with this issue.
Third, take all medications as prescribed by your doctor and follow their instructions for post-surgery care. This includes taking any antibiotics that may be prescribed, as well as pain medications if needed. Pain medications can help reduce swelling and numbness in the area where you have had surgery, so be sure to follow all instructions for taking them properly.
Fourth, make sure you practice good oral hygiene habits during your recovery period. This includes brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding certain foods that may irritate the surgical area. Additionally, avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during this time period as both can slow down healing time and increase the chances of experiencing numbness after wisdom teeth removal.
Finally, be sure to attend all follow up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure that everything is healing properly and there are no further issues with numbness in the area where you had surgery. Your dentist may also recommend additional treatments such as laser therapy or physical therapy if there is still some numbness present after several weeks have passed since your wisdom teeth removal surgery was completed.
By following these tips, you should be able to significantly reduce any risk of experiencing numbness after wisdom teeth removal surgery and enjoy a quicker recovery time overall!
What Are the Risks of Not Treating Numbness From Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Numbness from wisdom teeth extraction is a common side effect, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious and long-term nerve damage. If you experience numbness after wisdom teeth removal, you should seek treatment immediately. Nerves in the area can be damaged during the extraction process and this can cause permanent numbness and loss of sensation. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis of the affected area and even cause problems with speaking and chewing.
Without treatment, the numbness may not go away on its own and could become permanent. Without sensation in the area, you might not be able to feel pain or heat or cold, which could lead to accidental injury due to lack of sensation. You may also experience muscle weakness due to nerve damage that could lead to chronic pain or other problems.
If you are experiencing numbness from wisdom teeth extraction, you should seek medical attention right away. Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment options that may help reduce any lasting effects on your nerves. Treatment for nerve damage could include medications such as steroids or physical therapy treatments such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required in order to repair any damaged nerves or tissue in the area.
It’s important to seek treatment right away if you experience any numbness from wisdom teeth extraction so that potential long-term nerve damage is avoided. With prompt medical attention, your dentist or oral surgeon can help ensure that any feeling that has been lost is restored as quickly as possible so that you can get back to your normal life without worry of serious complications from nerve damage.
What Should You Do If Your Numbness Does Not Go Away After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
If the numbness after wisdom teeth surgery does not go away, it is important to contact your oral surgeon or dentist as soon as possible. It may be necessary to have a follow-up appointment to ensure that the numbness is not due to any complications. Depending on the underlying cause of the numbness, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend medication or other treatments.
It is also important to watch for any changes in sensation such as tingling, burning, or shooting pains. These could be signs of an infection or nerve damage and should be reported immediately. Additionally, you should also monitor for any signs of swelling or redness around the surgical site. If these occur, seek medical attention right away as they could be signs of an infection.
Your oral surgeon will likely ask you about your symptoms and examine the area around the surgery site before making any recommendations. Depending on their findings, they may order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to identify any underlying issues. They may also recommend medications such as antibiotics if there is an infection present. Surgery may also be necessary if there is nerve damage or other complications that need to be addressed.
It is important to follow all instructions from your oral surgeon and dentist carefully when it comes to post-surgery care and recovery in order to ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of further complications such as numbness. Make sure you attend all follow-up appointments and report any changes in sensation promptly so that any potential issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Conclusion
Numbness after wisdom teeth extraction is a common and expected side effect. It typically resolves on its own in the weeks following the procedure, but can last up to eight weeks in some cases. If numbness persists beyond this time frame, you should seek medical advice to assess and treat any underlying causes.
It is important to note that this recovery process can take longer for smokers and individuals with diabetes or other medical conditions, so it is important to discuss your individual situation with your dentist or doctor.
Overall, numbness after wisdom teeth extraction is a normal part of the recovery process and will usually go away on its own within eight weeks. However, if it persists for longer than this time frame, you should seek medical advice to assess any underlying causes or complications.
By following these tips and seeking appropriate medical care as needed, you can help ensure that your numbing sensation goes away in a timely manner.