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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Could I have lingual nerve damage after novacane injection?

    Related Topic
    Oral Health
    I recently had a tooth filled on the lower right side. The dentist injected the novacane and I felt a shock and instant numbness in the right side of my tongue. It has been two and a half days and my tongue is still numb and has a burning sensation. I have some swelling in my tongue and cheek. I was told that this could last a few weeks and happens regularly. I have never heard of this happening to anyone. Does this occur often and will this eventually heal? The owner of the dental group has called me concerned and said that this happens all the time. I'm frightened that this will never go away and it is somewhat painful and extremely annoying!
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    Dr Santosh Laddipelly

    Dentist

    Gentle and caring Dentist at Vale Dental Centre, Canning Vale.Invisalign Provider.Services include:Crowns and bridges.Surgical extarctions.Teeth Whitening.Smile makeover.Full and partial dentures.Ceramic fillings. View Profile

    Sorry to hear about your situation and I understand it can be annoying and frustrating. The symptoms you mentioned could be caused by a condition called Paresthesia which can be caused by several factors. Although the numbness after local anesthesia should wear off in a few hours, it is not uncommon for some patients to have a very different experience. Firstly, was this the first time you had Novocaine? Some people tend to be allergic to certain anesthetics and this can cause some temporary damage to the lingual nerve. 
    Second, due to anatomical variations, the position of the lingual nerve and/or Inferior alveolar nerve can not be ascertained accurately. As a result, if the needle comes in close contact with these nerves, it could lead to unintentional bruising of the nerves. Usually such a condition resolves by itself but may take a few weeks to a few years. Very rarely, the nerve may never heal or heal only partially and the symptoms can be permanent. I would recommend getting it monitored closely by your dentist regularly if these symptoms donot seem to be improving. An opinion from an Oral surgeon(specialist) may be helpful.
    Most cases resolve in a few months time, so be reassured that it will get better.

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