Hi everyone, I'm new here and I'm happy to have found this place. Five days ago, I got my severely impacted and crooked bottom wisdom teeth removed. Apparently the surgeon may have moved or touched a nerve because now my whole left lip all the way down to my chin is numb. I went back to the dentist and he said that this has happened with a few of his patients, all of which have gotten feeling back within 6 months. He also said he could not guarantee that it isn't permanent. Please, anyone who this has happened to (or who knows anyone) give me some feedback on what to expect. Dentist says he doesn't think nerve could actually be damaged due to nature of surgery, but that he could have disturbed it. I hate this numbness and I would like to know how long it has taken others to recover and if anything can help it along. PLEASE HELP, any responses would be greatly appreciated.

The numbness is usually a temporary thing, as your dentist told you. Don't panic yet. I know that it's annoying, but be patient. When lower wisdom teeth are removed this is always a risk. The mandibular nerve is so close in proximity to these teeth that temporary numbness is somewhat common. Give it time and you'll probably be back to normal. He was being honest with you when he said it could be permanent. Were you informed of this before the teeth were removed? Was there some kind of consent form signed? If so, did you actually read it, or just sign it? Nerves are very touchy and can sometimes just take a little time to heal.

I don't believe that I signed a consent form, but I did do some paperwork about a month prior to the surgery, so I'm not entirely sure. On my instruction sheet that I took home, the only complication mentioned was dry socket (which ended up happening as well). Thanks for the advice. A dentist yesterday told me to expect about 6 mos. healing time for the nerve.