Re: Numb Tongue

nicklang907@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

Hello,

I went to the dentist to have a filling inserted... when the dentist
put the needle in on the right lower side of my mouth, I felt a very
strong 'tingle' or electric jolt in my tongue (and I let the dentist
know about it at the time) as though he had hit the nerve. The
procedure continued, and after the anesthetic wore off, it felt as
though my tongue is permanently burnt (numb on top, but motion of the
tongue is ok).

Is this normal? It has been several weeks now and my tongue is getting
better, but still numb on the right side (the side of the needle). I'm
hoping this is not permanent.

One more thing... the dentist did something that he called a 'trick' to
help the anesthetic become distributed into my mouth area... he
inserted the needle and started to slightly wiggle it and my jaw
around. I could feel the tingling the whole time. I am worried that
this is not a standard procedure and perhaps for good reason: if you're
on the nerve, the wiggling could continue to sever that nerve. In
other words, if he had just inserted the needle, perhaps the damage
would not be so bad.

Thanks for any insight.
NL


This generally resolves on its own, but may take a fair amount of time. I can't say numbness is never permanent, but the fact that it is already improving is a good sign.
I agree with your surmisal--if you have a sharp-ended needle and are moving it repeatedly through the tissue, it increases the chance for tissue damage. Your dentist should leave the tricks to the magicians.

Steve

--
Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001
.

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