Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common experience for many people. While the surgery itself is usually relatively straightforward, the recovery period can be quite uncomfortable. Pain and discomfort are to be expected after wisdom teeth removal, but many people also experience numbness in the area where their wisdom teeth were extracted. So when exactly will this numbness go away? In this article, we’ll explain when you can expect the numbness to go away after wisdom teeth removal and what you can do to help speed up the process.The length of time numbness associated with wisdom teeth removal may last can vary from person to person. Generally, the numbness should begin to dissipate within a few hours of the procedure, but it can take up to a few days for complete sensation to return.
Typical Timeline of Numbness Following Wisdom Teeth Removal
The numbness of the lips and tongue following wisdom teeth removal typically lasts anywhere from two to four hours. For some people, the numbness may last longer, up to 12 hours. During this time, it is important to be careful not to bite or burn your tongue as you still may not feel pain or discomfort caused by these activities.
It is also important to note that the amount of numbness experienced and how long it will last can vary from person to person. Some people may experience more intense numbness, while others may only feel a light tingling sensation. Additionally, some people may experience a lingering feeling of numbness for up to 24 hours after surgery.
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on what to expect following your procedure and when you can expect the numbness to subside completely. In general, it is important to take extra precautions while you are still feeling numb in order to prevent any damage that could occur due to hot or cold temperatures or biting down on your tongue or cheek without feeling it.
What Causes Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is a common side effect of the procedure. It can occur due to the trauma caused by the extraction, or due to nerve damage from the procedure. The numbness is usually temporary and will go away gradually over time, but it can linger for weeks or months in some cases.
The numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is caused by trauma to the nerves in the area around the extraction site. During the procedure, small amounts of pressure are applied to the jawbone and surrounding tissue which can cause damage to these nerves. This can lead to temporary numbness or tingling in some areas of your face or mouth.
In some cases, local anesthesia used during the procedure can also cause temporary numbness after wisdom teeth surgery. The numbing agents used during a wisdom tooth extraction can spread beyond their intended area and affect nearby nerves, leading to numbness in parts of your face or mouth.
In rare cases, permanent nerve damage may occur during a wisdom tooth extraction. This is usually due to improper technique on behalf of the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure, but it can also happen due to an underlying medical condition that affects nerve function. If you experience persistent numbness after your wisdom teeth surgery, you should consult your dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation.
Is It Normal to Feel Numb After Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Yes, it is normal to feel numb after getting wisdom teeth removed. This is because the procedure involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the area around your wisdom teeth, which numbs the area temporarily. As the anesthesia wears off, you may start to feel numbness in your lips, cheeks, and tongue up to 12 hours after the procedure.
It is also common to experience some pain and swelling in your mouth as well as some bleeding for a few days after having your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you experience.
In addition, if you have any stitches or sutures that were placed during the procedure, they will need to be removed within 1-2 weeks. During this time of healing, it is important to follow all instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon regarding proper care and recovery from the extraction. This includes eating soft foods such as pudding and ice cream while avoiding hard foods such as chips and popcorn until you can chew without discomfort.
It is important to remember that everyone’s recovery process is different and it may take several days before you feel back to normal after having your wisdom teeth extracted. If you are still feeling numbness beyond 12 hours or if you have any other concerns about your recovery, be sure to contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further advice.
Relieving Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom teeth surgery can cause temporary numbness in the mouth and face due to the effects of anesthesia. While this numbness should typically go away within a few days, there are several methods you can use to help reduce the amount of time it takes and make the recovery process more comfortable.
The first step in relieving numbness after wisdom teeth surgery is to get plenty of rest. Taking a break from physical activities and avoiding strenuous exercise can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area, which can help speed up your recovery time. Additionally, it’s important to keep your head elevated while sleeping, as this will reduce swelling and minimize discomfort.
You should also avoid drinking hot or cold beverages right after surgery, as these can cause additional pain or worsen the numbness. Instead, opt for lukewarm drinks that will not irritate your mouth or face. If you experience any kind of pain during this time, take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to package instructions.
Using ice packs on your jaw and cheeks may also provide relief from numbness after wisdom teeth surgery by decreasing swelling and inflammation in the affected area. Place an ice pack on your jaw for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day to soothe any soreness you may be feeling. Doing this several times a day should provide some degree of relief from numbness in the area around your surgical site.
Finally, using topical numbing agents such as lidocaine ointment may be beneficial if you are experiencing lingering numbness after wisdom teeth surgery. These products are available over-the-counter at most drug stores, so talk with your dentist about what type of product might work best for you before making a purchase. Applying these products as directed can help reduce sensations of numbness around your surgical site while you heal from your procedure.
Can Long-Term Numbness Occur After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral procedure, but it can cause some unpleasant side effects. One of the possible complications of wisdom tooth extraction is long-term numbness in the area around the mouth and chin. This can be a result of nerve damage caused by the surgery. While most cases of numbness are temporary, there are some cases where it can be long-term or even permanent.
The risk of long-term numbness after wisdom teeth removal depends on the skill and experience of the dentist performing the extraction. If the dentist is not experienced in dealing with complicated extractions, they may inadvertently damage surrounding nerves during the procedure. It is important to seek out an experienced practitioner who has dealt with many similar extractions in order to minimize this risk.
In some cases, long-term numbness may be caused by injury to a specific nerve during extraction. If this happens, it may take several months for sensation to return to normal. In extreme cases, if a large portion of nerve tissue is damaged, it may never return to its full function or sensation may not completely return at all.
If you have had your wisdom teeth removed and are experiencing any kind of numbness or tingling sensation in the area around your mouth and chin, you should speak to your dentist or healthcare provider as soon as possible for further evaluation and advice. They will be able to assess your symptoms and determine if any further treatment or therapy is necessary.
What Are the Complications of Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Removing wisdom teeth can cause a variety of complications, including pain, swelling, infection, and dry socket. Pain is the most common complication of wisdom tooth removal. Most people experience some degree of pain after their wisdom teeth are removed. The severity of this pain varies from person to person and may last for several days after the procedure. Swelling is also a common complication and can be controlled with cold compresses and over-the-counter medications.
Infection is another potential complication that can occur after wisdom tooth extraction. Signs of an infection include redness, tenderness, pus drainage, fever, and bad breath. If these symptoms occur following a wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to contact your dentist for further evaluation and treatment. Dry socket is another potential complication following the removal of wisdom teeth. This occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket site fails to develop properly or is lost too soon after surgery. Symptoms include pain that radiates around the jaw area and a bad taste or smell in the mouth. If dry socket occurs following a wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to contact your dentist for further evaluation and treatment.
Although these complications can occur following wisdom tooth extraction, they are relatively uncommon and can often be managed with over-the-counter medications or antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. It’s important to follow all postoperative instructions provided by your dentist in order to reduce your chances of developing any complications associated with wisdom tooth removal.
Dealing with Lingering Discomfort After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
It is common to experience some discomfort after wisdom teeth surgery. This can include soreness, swelling, and even a feeling of tightness in the jaw. The healing process can be uncomfortable and may take several days or even weeks to fully heal. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage lingering discomfort after wisdom teeth surgery.
Take Pain Medication as Prescribed
The most important step in managing pain after wisdom teeth surgery is to take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or surgeon. Most likely, you will be given a prescription for a mild narcotic such as codeine or hydrocodone for the first few days of recovery. Additionally, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Apply Ice Packs and Warm Compresses
Another way to reduce discomfort is to apply ice packs or warm compresses to the area where your wisdom teeth were removed. Ice can help reduce swelling while warm compresses may help relieve pain and stiffness in the jaw muscles. Be careful not to use too much heat or ice for too long, as it could cause skin irritation or other problems.
Eat Soft Foods
Eating soft foods can also help reduce discomfort after wisdom teeth surgery. Eating hard foods may irritate your gums and cause further bleeding or swelling. Stick with soft foods such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and smoothies until you feel more comfortable eating solid foods again. Make sure that any food you eat is at room temperature so that it does not irritate your gums any further.
Avoid Straws
It is important to avoid using straws when drinking fluids after wisdom teeth surgery since sucking on them could cause more bleeding from the extraction sites. Additionally, using straws could put extra pressure on your gums which could cause more pain and irritation in the area where your teeth were removed.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Finally, practicing good oral hygiene can help speed up recovery time after wisdom teeth surgery. Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist or surgeon. It is also important to keep your mouth clean by flossing between each tooth once a day and rinsing with an antiseptic mouth rinse if necessary. Doing these things will help keep bacteria away from the extraction sites so that they can heal properly without any further complications
Conclusion
The numbness from wisdom teeth should go away within a few days of the procedure. However, if the numbness does not go away after a few days, it is important to contact your dentist to make sure that there is no underlying issue. There are some conditions that can cause prolonged numbness and need to be addressed by your dentist or doctor. It is important to follow all of the post-operative instructions given by your dentist and to take all medications as prescribed. By doing so, you can ensure that you recover quickly from the procedure and reduce the chances of experiencing prolonged numbness from wisdom teeth removal.
Although wisdom teeth removal can be uncomfortable and cause some temporary numbness, it can help prevent serious dental issues in the future. If you have any concerns about wisdom teeth removal or its related complications, it is important to talk to your dentist before making any decisions.