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.
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 dental 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.
