Can Tooth Extraction Cause Nerve Damage? | Discussion with a Florida Dental Malpractice Attorney

Today, we will delve into a significant concern surrounding dental extractions – the possibility of permanent nerve damage. In particular, we'll be discussing dental malpractice and what could potentially be a nightmarish aftermath of tooth extraction.

Common as they may be, tooth extractions are not without risks, the most worrying of which is the potential infliction of severe and lasting nerve damage. The inferior alveolar nerve – a critical player in delivering sensations to your lower lip, lower gums, chin, and cheek – is the one most at risk during extractions. In the same vein, the lingual nerve, key to tongue sensation, is susceptible, especially during wisdom tooth extractions where fractures in the lingual cortical plate may occur, damaging the nerve.

Several contributing factors make a nerve damage outcome more probable. The tooth's location, the extraction procedure's complexity, and the dentist or oral surgeon's proficiency all weigh in. Complicated extractions, including those of impacted or deeply rooted teeth, or those entwined with a nerve, carry a higher risk of nerve injury. Specifically, lower wisdom teeth extractions, tucked far into the back of the mouth, carry the greatest risk of inflicting severe nerve damage.

The inferior alveolar nerve can be injured during extraction in a number of ways. Direct injury can occur if the dentist or oral surgeon doesn't exercise adequate caution during the procedure. Other causes may include pinching or stretching the nerve during tooth removal or swelling of the tissues post-operation, exerting pressure on the nerve. The manifestations of this nerve damage span from numbness and tingling sensations to pain in the face, jaw, lips, or chin. The intensity of these symptoms could either diminish over time or escalate, leading to permanent nerve damage.

The lingual nerve damage warrants attention too. As aforementioned, the lingual cortical plate's injury during tooth extraction can profoundly harm the lingual nerve. Nestled close to the surface of the jawbone, the lingual nerve plays a pivotal role in sensation in the tongue and the mouth's floor. Damaging the lingual cortical plate or fracturing it can lead to the nerve being stretched or even severed completely, causing permanent loss of sensation and potential issues with speech and eating.

However, we should also note that nerve damage caused by tooth extraction is not a death sentence, as various treatment options are available. The treatment depends largely on the nerve damage's severity and type. Minor damage might resolve itself without any specific treatment. Nevertheless, in severe cases, surgery might be required to rectify the damaged nerve.

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