My Dentist Hit a Nerve. How Long to Get Better
If dental nerve damage happens during treatment, it can be very distressing, mainly because it occurs without warning. Many patients ask, What happens if a dentist hits a nerve? Figuring out what a nerve injury is, spotting its symptoms and understanding your treatment choices can soothe your fears and help you recover. In this article, both these issues are examined and insight is given on the usual recovery time.
What Happens If A Dentist Hits A Nerve
Nerves supply essential messages from your mouth, including sensations of pain, temperature and pressure. Sometimes, if a nerve is injured by accident during dentistry procedures such as extractions or broken tooth repair, it can lead to nerve problems. Such an injury makes it difficult to sense sensations, which in turn can make someone feel uncomfortable or in pain. A nerve injury could happen from a direct blow, stress from swelling or irritation from dental tools or injections. Being conscious of the results of nerve trauma is essential for getting treatment early and controlling the symptoms.
Identifying Dental Nerve Damage Symptoms
Knowing the dental nerve damage symptoms is the first step toward getting the proper care. Many patients with nerve damage in the head or neck say they feel numbness in the following areas:
- Tingling
- Burning
- Sharp pain on their tongue and lips
- Pain in the jaws and chin
Sometimes, oral symptoms happen right after a dental visit. While at other times they appear gradually. If you notice your skin has changed sensation for a long time, this is a warning that damage to your nerves may have taken place. Patients who notice new jaw pain after a dental injection should not dismiss the discomfort as usual, as it can indicate underlying nerve involvement. Likewise, if symptoms arise after procedures involving a dental implant or the treatment of a broken tooth, prompt evaluation is necessary.
Symptoms Of Nerve Damage After Tooth Extraction
When removing wisdom teeth or molars that are near essential nerves, you could injure those nerves. The symptoms of nerve damage after tooth extraction may include a loss of sensation or altered feeling around the surgical site. Some people experience numbness on their chin or lip, or an unusual tingling on their tongue. Trouble with speaking or chewing can come with discomfort, making daily life more difficult. When your symptoms last beyond the usual healing time, you should see your dentist or specialist for an assessment.
Can Dental Nerve Damage Heal?
One of the most common concerns is whether dental nerve damage heals over time. The advice will vary depending on what kind and how serious the injury is. Most small nerve injuries from light inflammation or irritation heal on their own within a few weeks as the body recovers. It may take several months to heal from a moderate injury, and sometimes extra support is needed as part of the treatment. Significant or long-lasting injury to nerves may permanently cause problems. One must remember that it can take patients a different amount of time to recover, and some may keep experiencing symptoms long after therapy. Getting treatment right away and following the care plan improves a person’s opportunity to heal.
Treatment To Deal With Dental Nerve Damage
When it comes to treatment to deal with dental nerve damage, approaches are tailored to the individual’s condition. Medications should reduce inflammation and pain, while therapies can improve nerve function. In the event it is severe, operations may be necessary to either repair or relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Physical therapy could assist people who develop muscle weakness or jaw limitation as a result of a nerve injury. Many patients also feel better using vitamin supplements to assist in the regrowth of damaged nerves.
Doctors have used techniques like laser therapy in some cases to help wounds heal and lower pain. The type of treatment does not matter, but follow-up is essential to keep an eye on progress and manage continuing issues.
Nerve Damage and Dental Malpractice
If dental nerve damage has occurred due to negligence or improper care, then the issue can extend beyond health concerns, which may lead to nerve damage and dental malpractice. After having a dental treatment, patients may not know if the dentist is responsible for any nerve damage. A dental malpractice claim will occur if it is mentioned that the patient suffered an injury due to not following the accepted standard practice, such as inadequate surgical preparation, skill or a lack of warning about what could go wrong. Seeking professional advice and knowing your rights is necessary if you think there has been malpractice. Still, sometimes nerve damage is a normal effect of dental treatment and not caused by carelessness.
How Long Does It Take To Get Better?
How long a person takes to improve after nerve injury depends on the kind and size of the damage, the patient’s health and when treatment starts. Many minor nerve injuries fix on their own in just a few weeks, after resting and managing symptoms. Severe injuries may take months to heal and may need therapy along the way. When symptoms keep going for at least six months to a year, full recovery becomes unlikely, and patients may experience lasting results. You need to check in with your dentist often at this time to receive proper management.
What to Do If You Experience Symptoms After a Dental Procedure
If you are feeling numbness or tingling after a dental treatment, you should contact your dentist quickly. Early detection of the problem will prevent worsening of the condition and you will be directed to proper care. Symptoms might go away alone, but if they don’t get better or worse, medical evaluation is necessary. Tools such as images or tests that check nerve signals can be used to find out the degree of nerve involvement and help select treatment.
Protecting Yourself and Knowing Your Options
If you are at risk for nerve damage after having dental work, you should know about the dangers and what may follow. Anyone undergoing treatment on the teeth or jaw should first talk to their dentist about the risk of dental nerve damage. If patients know the method, risks and the ways doctors handle complications, they can decide on treatment options more wisely. People who suffer nerve damage in their mouths may need to visit oral surgeons or neurologists for help. People should be informed about the rights they have in case negligence is believed to have occurred.
Complications from dental nerve injuries can vary, and how long it takes to recover is uncertain. Our goal at Dental Faith is to help and support people dealing with nerve issues caused by dental treatments. Whether you have concerns about tooth nerve damage and are experiencing troubling dental nerve damage symptoms, you must seek professional advice promptly. Recovery in this situation can be hard, but the proper medical treatment allows many to feel better and improve their health with time.
Conclusion
If you have recently experienced a dental procedure such as an extraction and implant placement, or treatment for a broken tooth and are noticing unusual sensations, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. New or persistent symptoms, like new jaw pain after dental injection or numbness, should always be evaluated. If you recognize and address the problem early, it is more likely that you will recover and prevent serious problems.
Once you recognize the issues, symptoms and treatments, you can better handle your road to recovery. Keep in mind that you have help and it’s there to aid your healing and wellness.Â
FAQs
What to do if the dentist hits a nerve?
If your dentist accidentally injures a nerve, tell them straight away so they can check it out. Treatment options often consist of giving pain relief, anti-inflammatory products or moving on to see a specialist.
How long does dental nerve damage take to heal?
Light injuries to the nerves may recover in time, between 2 to 7 months. Recovery time for severe cases might stretch on for longer than one year or last throughout life, depending on how badly a person is injured.
What happens if a dental injection hits a nerve?
After an injection, sharp pain, tingling or numbness might happen if the infusion has hit a nerve. Sometimes, these symptoms clear up with time, while persistent numbness or weakness suggests a significant problem along the nerve.
Is a dentist liable for nerve damage?
If dental nerve damage results from a dentist’s mistake or wrong method, there may be a lawsuit. The law applies liability if it can be shown that the standard of care wasn’t upheld.