Reviewed By Dr. Robert Barron, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures, and most patients recover without long-term complications. However, when lower wisdom teeth are located close to important nerves, there is a small risk of nerve injury during surgery.
Table of Contents
Can You Get Nerve Damage From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes, nerve damage can occur after wisdom teeth removal, but it is uncommon. The risk is highest when lower wisdom teeth are positioned very close to the nerves that provide sensation to the lower lip, chin, tongue, or gums.
Before recommending surgery, we evaluate the position of the tooth using 3D imaging to determine how close it is to these structures. For most patients, wisdom teeth can be removed without nerve injury.
What Are the Symptoms of Nerve Damage?
If a nerve is affected, symptoms may include:
- Numbness of the lip, chin, tongue, or gums
- Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation
- Altered sensation when touching the area
- Reduced ability to feel temperature
- Changes in taste if the lingual nerve is involved
Immediately after surgery, numbness from local anesthesia is expected. Symptoms that continue after the anesthetic should have worn off should be reported to your oral surgeon.
Is Nerve Damage Usually Permanent?
Most nerve injuries associated with wisdom tooth removal are temporary. As the nerve heals, sensation often returns gradually over weeks or months. Recovery depends on the type and extent of the injury.
Permanent nerve damage is uncommon but can occur in rare cases, particularly when the nerve is closely associated with the tooth.
We will discuss your individual level of risk before treatment if imaging shows the tooth is near a nerve.
Reducing the Risk of Nerve Damage During Wisdom Tooth Removal
Careful treatment planning plays an important role in reducing the risk of nerve injury before wisdom tooth removal. Dr. Robert Barron evaluates each case individually to determine the safest approach based on your anatomy and the position of your wisdom teeth.
Before surgery, Dr. Barron will:
- Review detailed CBCT imaging
- Assess how close the wisdom tooth is to nearby nerves
- Select the safest surgical approach based on the tooth’s position
- Discuss alternative treatment options if the risk is high, such as removing the crown and leaving the roots (called a coronectomy) in place and then monitoring the roots for migration over the following 6 months. The roots can then be safely removed if they migrate from their initial position.
Every wisdom tooth is different. Careful evaluation of the surrounding anatomy helps Dr. Barron plan your procedure as safely and precisely as possible.
Signs That Need Follow-Up After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Temporary numbness is expected while local anesthesia is still active. This usually fades gradually over several hours as normal feeling returns to the lips, chin, tongue, gums, and nearby tissues.
Contact your oral surgeon if you notice:
- Numbness that continues after the anesthetic should have worn off
- Tingling that does not improve
- Loss of feeling in the lip, chin, or tongue
- Difficulty speaking or eating because of altered sensation
- Symptoms that worsen rather than improve
Early evaluation allows us to monitor your recovery and recommend appropriate follow-up if needed.
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Not every wisdom tooth extraction is the same. Some wisdom teeth are impacted, angled, or positioned in a way that makes removal more complex.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive additional years of hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school and routinely remove impacted and complex wisdom teeth. That training is especially important when treatment involves lower wisdom teeth, limited space, or a higher risk of complications.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Concord Oral Surgery
At Concord Oral Surgery, Dr. Robert Barron regularly treats patients with impacted and complex wisdom teeth, including cases where the teeth are positioned close to important nerves. Every treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation of your anatomy and the position of your wisdom teeth to determine the safest approach for your procedure.
When a wisdom tooth is located close to an important nerve, careful surgical planning is essential. Your individual level of risk will be explained, along with all appropriate treatment options, including alternatives such as a coronectomy when indicated. Our goal is to remove problematic wisdom teeth while minimizing the risk of complications and helping you feel informed and confident before surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Vaughan, ON
If you have been told your wisdom teeth are close to a nerve or have questions about your treatment options, an evaluation with an oral surgeon can help you understand your individual risk.
To schedule an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, call (905) 669-2616 or visit us at 3300 Hwy 7 W #805, Vaughan, ON L4K 4M3.
FAQs
How common is nerve damage after wisdom teeth removal?
Nerve damage is uncommon. The risk depends on how close the wisdom tooth is to nearby nerves and the complexity of the extraction.
Can a nerve heal after wisdom teeth removal?
Most nerve injuries improve over time, and sensation often returns gradually over weeks or months. Recovery depends on the extent of the injury.
How long does numbness last after wisdom teeth removal?
Numbness from local anesthesia usually wears off within several hours to a few days. If numbness continues beyond that, contact your oral surgeon for evaluation.
Are upper wisdom teeth likely to cause nerve damage?
The risk of nerve injury is unlikely to occur with upper wisdom teeth because they are generally not located close to the major nerves involved in lower wisdom tooth removal.
What if my wisdom tooth is close to a nerve?
If imaging shows your wisdom tooth is close to a nerve, your oral surgeon will explain the level of risk, discuss the safest treatment approach, and answer any questions before surgery.
