You are here looking for the no BS answer to the question: How to Get Rid of Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Our mouths undergo several changes right from birth into adulthood. However, a significant dental milestone that mainly occurs between the ages of 17 and 22 is the emergence of wisdom teeth.
These sets of molars erupt on both sides of the mouth, top and bottom and are vital in helping us chew coarse and rough foods.
As essential as these sets of molars is to complete our denture, the emergence of wisdom teeth can be a nerve-racking period. Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, pain, damage to other teeth and dental problems.
This is especially critical if the mouth has insufficient room to accommodate them and if they erupt askew.
In such instances, dentists often recommend wisdom tooth extraction, a surgical procedure to remove these third molars. Moreover, there are other benefits of wisdom teeth removal.
For instance, it prevents damage to nearby teeth, lessens dentition overcrowding and decreases the risks of oral disease and inflammation.
So, whatever the reason for wisdom teeth removal, and akin to any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth extraction carries some risks.
Numbness around the lips, chin, tongue and cheek area is prevalent after the third molar extraction. Akin to any surgical procedure, you might expect these symptoms to disappear after the anesthetic wears off.
However, this might not be the case after wisdom teeth removal. In some cases, the numbness after third molar extraction persists for a considerable period.
This post gleans insightful information on why some individuals get numb after third molar removal and, importantly, offers effective and practical tips on how to get rid of numbness after wisdom teeth removal.
How to Get Rid of Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Each individual has a unique teeth anatomy. Therefore, some patients are at risk of experiencing numbness after third molars extraction, while others aren’t at risk for this complication.
Primarily, paresthesia or numbness after wisdom teeth removal occurs on the lower jaw due to the damage of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve, an essential nerve running close to the end of the lower wisdom teeth.
In addition, inflammation of the area where the wisdom teeth were removed can also cause paresthesia, causing blood vessels to dilate.
This type of complication concerns any patient about to undergo wisdom teeth extraction. Fortunately, it’s not a detrimental problem and can be resolved with a few practices.
Moreover, your body will naturally heal itself, only that it might take a bit longer since it involves nerve tissue. Damage of nerve tissues takes more time to recover than any other tissue in our body.
In most cases, paresthesia lasts between three months and a year. Nevertheless, it’s implausible for this complication to persist after six months.
Also, several effective practices alleviate the effect and get rid of paresthesia after the third molar extraction.
The following are the top 3 ways on how to get rid of numbness after wisdom teeth removal. Most importantly, be patient and keenly adhere to the doctor’s instructions.
1. Skin Massaging
If you don’t feel any swelling, you can use a warm compress to increase the blood flow in the affected areas like lips, cheek, etc.
You can also massage your lips and cheeks to warm them a little, as warming the affected area may increase the blood flow and cure the numbness.
But, do not forget to wash your hands properly before massaging as it may cause infection.
2. Physical Activity
You don’t have to be hard on yourself. Ask your doctor if you are in the condition to take a little walk or to play any light indoor games.
This can improve blood circulation in your body and eventually allow your body to break down and metabolize the Novocain used as anesthesia during your treatment.
3. Sleep
Sleeping can help your body to relax and would improve blood circulation throughout the body. Blood circulation would counterbalance the effects of anesthesia and would help in relaxing your muscles.
4. Use Injections
You can consult your doctor to get injections that cancel out the effects of anesthesia in your body. These injections are specially designed to eliminate the fluid or its effect from your body.
5. Make a Dental Appointment
Numbness can happen due to nerve damage while extraction of wisdom teeth. If your pain persists for more than 5-6 hours, you must consult your dentist.
This condition is not normal, and it should be cured or else, it can adversely affect your oral health. Thus, let your dentist diagnose it and cure it at its earliest. Or this can be never-ending suffering.
How Long Does the Numbness Last?
The numbness after wisdom teeth extraction can generally last for 2-3 hours only. But for some people, it can also last for 5-6 hours.
The numbness can persist on the teeth, gums, cheek, tongue, lips, and even the throat.
This numbness can occur due to various reasons. It can cause the anesthesia you took during surgery, swelling of gums, excessive pain, or nerve damage.
If you feel the numbness is still persisting, it is good to see a doctor get it diagnosed. This way, you can get rid of future complications.
Conclusion
Do not take much stress about the numbness and enjoy the short vacation you got after surgery instead.
Take a lot of rest, and the healing process will follow naturally. You should not panic if your numbness is not getting cured as it works differently on different individuals.
You are going to get well in no time. Just follow our tips on how to get rid of numbness after wisdom teeth removal, and for more information, consult a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for Nerve Damage to Heal After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It can take six months to cure completely. However, in some severe cases, the nerve damage can also be permanent.
Why Do I Still Feel Numb After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You can feel numb because of the anesthesia or even due to swelling and pain.
Is the Third Day the Worst After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes, the 3rd and 4th days might be the most painful, as the effect of your anesthesia would be gone entirely, and you might start feeling the actual pain. In addition, during these days, the healing process would begin, which can cause the gums to swell.
How Should I Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It would be best to sleep with your head elevated for a few days after wisdom teeth removal. Also, it would be best to consider sleeping on the side since lying on the back increases the chances of swelling.
Related Post: Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sore Throat?
