The tongue may have a tingling or burning sensation for even much more than a few days following a root canal.
This can be unsettling to patients, making them wonder if the tingling or burning will ever go away.
Cause of Tinging, Burning Tongue after a Root Canal Treatment
“When dental procedure is performed on a lower tooth, the dentist will often recommend the numbing of the tooth to make the dental experience more comfortable,” explains Laurence (Larry) Grayhills, DMD, MS, MAGD, member of the Academy of General Dentistry.
“The goal of the dentist is to numb the inferior alveolar nerve (the main ‘pipeline’ nerve that runs through the lower jaw, supplying the teeth with feeling),” continues Dr. Grayhills.
“An unfortunate ‘bystander’ on the way to the inferior alveolar nerve is the lingual nerve which gives the tongue sensation.
“The lingual nerve is an unfortunate victim by the injection on the way to the inferior alveolar nerve.
“Not only is it numbed, sometimes the injection mildly traumatizes the lingual nerve in the attempt to numb lower teeth.
“It can leave a tingle or numb feeling in the tongue for up to a month. This numbness is reversible in most cases.”
Dr. Grayhills is with Mohip Dental & Associates, of FL, which provides the highest level of cosmetic, restorative, prosthetic and emergency dental care available.
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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