Dental nerve damage can occur as a result of a dental procedure, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, root canal, or implant placement. Nerve damage can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, nerve pain, and muscle weakness, and it can greatly diminish a person’s overall quality of life.
In this article, we’ll start out by talking about the physical symptoms associated with dental nerve damage, and then we will shift gears and talk about psychological symptoms.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Physical Symptoms of Dental Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is not as well understood as many other types of injuries, and the exact same injury may manifest differently in each person. However, there are some common dental nerve damage symptoms, and we will talk about some of these symptoms in greater detail below.
Numbness
One of the most common symptoms of dental nerve damage is numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area. This may manifest as a loss of feeling in the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks, and it can cause a person to experience serious difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking. In severe cases, the numbness resulting from dental nerve damage may also cause drooling, difficulty swallowing, and speech impediments.
Odd Sensations
Tingling or burning sensations are also common symptoms of tooth nerve damage. These odd sensations can cause serious discomfort, frustration, and inconvenience. Whether intermittent or constant, these sensations can seriously affect a person's ability to perform everyday tasks, such as shaving, putting on make-up, chewing food, or drinking fluids.
Pain
Pain is arguable one of the worst symptoms of dental nerve damage. This can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain, and it can be constant or intermittent. This type of nerve pain is noticeably different than tooth pain.
Constant nerve pain is often associated with anesthesia dolorosa, whereas intermittent pain is often associated with trigeminal neuralgia. In some cases, the pain can be so severe and debilitating that the person is unable to sleep, work, or carry on a normal life. Additionally, the type of treatment that can help a damaged nerve is limited.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is another potential symptom of dental nerve damage. This can cause difficulty with movement and coordination in the mouth, tongue, and lips. Additionally, nerve damage may cause a loss of strength in the affected area. In severe cases, muscle weakness can also cause the injured person to drool, and it can affect a person’s ability to speak without slurring or speaking with a lisp.
Psychological Symptoms
In addition to these physical symptoms, a person suffering from dental nerve damage can also experience significant emotional and psychological pain. These folks often suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress as a result of their condition, and they may struggle to cope with the changes to their appearance and their diminished quality of life.
Overall, dental nerve damage is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced dentist or oral surgeon to minimize the risk of dental nerve damage, and you should discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with them before undergoing any dental procedure.
If you experience any symptoms of dental nerve damage, it is important to reach out to your dentist seek medical attention promptly to ensure prompt and effective treatment. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating dental nerve damage symptoms and reducing the likelihood of permanent damage.
What Are the Chances of Getting Permanent Dental Nerve Damage?
The chances of experiencing permanent nerve damage as a result of a dental procedure are relatively low, but it can happen in some cases. The overall incidence of nerve damage after a dental injection is estimated to be between 1 in 26,762 to 1 in 800,000 cases. See T. Renton, et al., Trigeminal nerve injuries in relation to the local anesthesia in mandibular injections. 209 British Dental Journal 1 (2010). This suggests it is a relatively rare complication.
Also, things can get better after a nerve injury without major intervention. One study found that 81% of direct nerve injuries heal within 2 weeks, and 85-94% recover completely within 8 weeks. But if the injury lasts longer than 8 weeks, the chances of full recovery diminish. See Miller Smith & Kevin Lung, Nerve Injuries After Dental Injection: A Review of the Literature. 72 J. Can. Dent. Assoc. 559, 562 (2006).
Overall, the risk of permanent nerve damage from a dental procedure is relatively low, but it can occur, especially with more complex procedures involving the nerves. The key is to seek prompt treatment and evaluation by a specialist if nerve damage is suspected.
Are You Suffering from Common Dental Nerve Damage Symptoms?
If you are suffering from some of the common symptoms of dental nerve damage, you should speak with an experienced dental malpractice lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. You can contact us online or you can call our Orlando, Florida law office at (321) LAWSUIT to schedule your consultation.
If you need a South Carolina dental malpractice lawyer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need us.
Most importantly, seek medical help right away, regardless of whether you choose to pursue a claim. These injuries are awful, and any delay in treatment can reduce the chances of a recovery.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Dental Nerve Damage FAQs
How Do I Prove a Dental Nerve Injury Caused by Negligence?
To prove that a dental nerve injury was caused by negligence, you must show that your dentist failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused your symptoms—whether it’s numbness, burning sensations, or ongoing tooth nerve pain.
Strong evidence typically includes:
1. Dental Records & Imaging
X-rays, CBCT scans, and treatment notes can show whether the dentist properly evaluated risks like tooth decay, thin tooth enamel, or nerve proximity before performing a procedure such as root canal therapy or extractions.
2. Expert Testimony
Florida dental malpractice cases require a qualified expert to explain how the dentist’s actions deviated from what a reasonable professional would have done.
3. Symptom Documentation
Record changes in sensation, including pain triggered by hot or cold foods, persistent numbness, or loss of feeling in the affected tooth or surrounding tissues.
4. Treatment History
Evidence that your injury worsened after a dentist over-instrumented a canal during root canal treatment, drilled too deeply into tooth enamel, or performed unnecessary root canals can help establish negligence.
5. Second Opinions
An evaluation from an oral surgeon or endodontist can confirm that the nerve injury was avoidable—not simply minor nerve irritation that resolves naturally.
Can I Sue if My Nerve Damage Was Misdiagnosed or Missed by My Dentist?
Yes. A dentist may be liable for malpractice if they misdiagnose or fail to diagnose nerve damage—especially when early symptoms should have been recognized.
You may have a claim if your dentist:
- Dismissed ongoing numbness, tingling, or tooth nerve pain
- Failed to investigate sensitivity to hot or cold foods after treatment
- Misattributed symptoms to tooth decay or a damaged tooth enamel when the real issue was nerve trauma
- Ignored complications following root canal therapy, extractions, or crowns
- Failed to refer you to a specialist when nerve injury was suspected
Misdiagnosed nerve injuries often worsen over time, turning what could have been minor nerve irritation into permanent sensory loss. A timely second opinion is critical.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dental Nerve Damage Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law gives you limited time to file a dental malpractice lawsuit, including nerve injuries caused by root canal therapy, extractions, or other procedures. You must file within 2 years of the date you discovered—or reasonably should have discovered—the nerve damage.
Is Lingual or Inferior Alveolar Nerve Damage a Sign of Dental Malpractice?
Lingual nerve damage and inferior alveolar nerve damage can be signs of dental malpractice, especially when the injury results from avoidable errors during:
- root canals
- extractions
- injections
- dental restorations
- root canal treatment for deep tooth decay
A nerve injury may indicate negligence when:
- The dentist drilled too deep or beyond the apex during root canal therapy
- The dentist did not properly evaluate imaging before treating the affected tooth
- Excessive force or poor technique damaged tooth enamel or nearby nerves
- The dentist failed to warn you of risks or failed to diagnose nerve trauma promptly
Not every nerve injury is malpractice—some result from unavoidable anatomical variations. But injuries caused by poor technique, inadequate evaluation, or improper treatment planning often qualify.
Can I Get Compensation for Loss of Sensation or Taste After Dental Nerve Injury?
Yes. Loss of sensation, altered taste, or chronic tooth nerve pain due to dental nerve injury may entitle you to compensation in a Florida dental malpractice case.
Common damages include:
Economic Damages
- Medical evaluations
- Corrective procedures or follow-up root canal therapy
- Pain management treatments
- Imaging and specialist visits
- Lost income if symptoms limit your ability to work
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of taste
- Numbness in the tongue, lip, or chin
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
If your symptoms resulted from negligent root canal treatment, drilling into healthy tooth enamel, misdiagnosed tooth decay, or mishandling of the affected tooth, you may have a strong case for compensation.