Part of my mouth is still frozen after the dentist visit?

Question

I went to the dentist for a regular tooth filling two weeks ago. My thong is still num (frozen) after 2 weeks and it really feels odd when I eat.. What can I do to get rid of it??

Answer 1

Renee's answer is pretty accurate; however, the reason that local anesthetic is injected so far back on the bottom is actually due to the density of the bone on the lower jaw. The bone in the lower jaw is very dense and the anesthetic does not diffuse well through it to effectively get a particular tooth "numb" (especially in the back by the molars). That is why we give what is called a "block". In the location where we give this block, there is another nerve that runs in close proximity that supplies innervation to your tongue. Sometimes during the injection one or both of these nerves can become traumatized (rare, but it happens). Usually, this is only temporary - sometimes there is inflammation present in the that impinges on the nerves. Over time the sensation should return, unless there has been actual physical damage to the nerve (where it can still return as well). Inform your dentist of your symptoms and have him/her take a look. Monitor the area to see whether any type of sensation begins to return, but be patient, sometimes it can take awhile!

Answer 2

I'm sorry to inform you this may or may not be a permanent thing. Your filling must have been on the bottom, right? The bottom numbs differently than the top of the jaw. The top, every tooth has it's own nerve you must numb individually. On the bottom, the nerve runs from the very back tooth on one side, to the midline, and same on the other side,numbing whole quadrant at a time.When the dentist injects the lidocain, he gets as close as he can to this nerve to numb the quadrant. But sometimes, if he hits the nerve, it can cause temporary or permanent numbing or paralysis of the effected area. There's no way to tell if it'll be permanent or not. There's no medication to get the feeling back because it's trauma to the nerve itself. Your best bet is to exercise your jaw as much as you can, be careful not to bite your tongue when eating, causing damage to the tissues, and see your dentist to follow up on the matter. If your numbness now isn't quite as bad as it was a day after the visit, then it may take a while, but your feeling will probably come back entirely.
~Good luck!

Answer 3

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RE:
Part of my mouth is still frozen after the dentist visit?
I went to the dentist for a regular tooth filling two weeks ago. My thong is still num (frozen) after 2 weeks and it really feels odd when I eat.. What can I do to get rid of it??

Answer 4

Hi there. Alexis has 2 bottom teeth. The 2nd one has barely poked through but it's there. I was told to use an infant toothbrush (I have 2) and just plain water would be fine. Also was told that I could've even started brushing just her gums, before she even had teeth. Haven't tried brushing Lexi's teeth yet. You CAN use toothpaste but only the kind that is safe in case of swallowing. Good luck!

Answer 5

If your thong is still frozen, I would stick it in the oven for a few minutes at 350 deg. F. Why would you eat your thong? That sounds weird.....

Answer 6

After two weeks there shouldn't be any freezing or numbness. If there is, contact the dentist.

Answer 7

Go bak to the dentist.........i had 3 doses of anestasia given 1s all together for a root canal.and the effect wore of in abt 3 hours.........

Answer 8

i'd call the dentist. normally, the numbness goes away in 3-4 hours. you're not concerned?

Answer 9

That is not normal. Have you called the dentist?

Answer 10

I think you mean "tongue," not thong. Anyway, it might be a good idea to call your dentist and ask him the same questions. DUH!!

Chow!!