A dentist says that nerve damage can be caused by the removal of wisdom teeth.
Here is what Cyndi Blalock, DDS, explains: “Yes, it can, if the patient is built with a inferior alveolar nerve running close to the impacted wisdom tooth.”
Dr. Blalock is the owner of Cardinal Dental in St. Peters, MO.
She continues, “While this is a rare situation, it is a known complication.
“I don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth, but I do counsel my patients on the possibility of nerve damage if it appears that the roots of the wisdom teeth are close to the nerve canal.”
Nerve Damage from Wisdom Teeth Removal
Nerve damage from wisdom teeth removal can manifest as tingling or numbness in the affected area.
While such symptoms may be temporary and resolve as healing progresses, there is a risk of permanent nerve damage in some cases.
In addition to the inferior alveolar nerve, another nerve might sustain damage: the trigeminal nerve, which is one of the 12 cranial nerves — the fifth one.
In this case, the tongue would be affected – with pain, tingling or numbness.
These sensations may also involve the teeth, gums, lower lip and even the chin.
The trigeminal nerve is a major facial nerve. It has three main branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular nerves.
These branches provide sensory information from the forehead, upper jaw and lower jaw, respectively.
The trigeminal nerve also controls muscles involved in chewing.
However, the damage from a wisdom tooth extraction is usually temporary, though this can go on for up to a few months. In rare cases of severe damage it’s permanent.
A nerve injury from root canal removal (involving either the inferior alveolar or trigeminal nerve) would cause symptoms of only sensation rather than function.
There would not be any weakness in the muscles of your tongue and lip.
Before you decide to forego having your impacted wisdom teeth removed due to fear of a nerve injury (which, remember, is usually temporary), remind yourself that making this decision could result in worse problems.
• Partially grown-in wisdom teeth that are not extracted can cause a bacterial infection.
When these teeth do not fully erupt or are only partially emerged, they create an environment where bacteria can accumulate around the gum line.
This condition, known as pericoronitis, can cause pain, swelling, and infection of the surrounding tissues. If left untreated, the infection can potentially spread and lead to more serious complications.
• Teeth that have remained non-erupted can cause a cyst – which can damage gum and bone.
These cysts, known as odontogenic cysts, form in the jawbone or surrounding gum tissue and can cause damage to both the gum and bone.
As the cyst grows, it can erode surrounding bone structures, potentially leading to pain, swelling, and further complications.
• If the teeth grow in, but are crooked, this can impair bite alignment, leading to jaw pain.
Bottom line: If your dentist advises you to have your wisdom teeth removed, have this done.
The health of Dr. Blalock’s patients is a top priority at Cardinal Dental. She provides a comfortable and caring environment where she can effectively customize a dental plan to suit the needs of you and your family.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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