Dental implant surgery is accompanied by anesthesia, which ensures that the entire procedure is without pain. Numbness will usually follow the procedure and is commonly experienced in the gums, lips, or chin, or even on the tongue. However, apart from the usual temporary numbness that follows dental implant surgery, there are cases wherein it happens that numbness would be present longer. Knowing the causes and how to manage it could ease the worry.
How Long Does Numbness Typically Last?
Local Anesthesia: Numbness from anesthesia usually will wear off within 2 to 6 hours after the procedure.
Extended Nerve Compression: If nerve compression occurred slightly during surgery, numbness lasts a few days to a week.
Minor Nerve Irritation: Temporary irritation of the nerves may cause numbness that lasts several weeks to a few months.
Rare Permanent Nerve Damage: Very rarely, if the nerve becomes severely damaged, numbness may last for a much longer time.
Factors Affecting Numbness:
✔️ The location of the implant: Numbness is more common in lower jaw implants, since they are more likely to be close to the mandibular nerve.
✔️ Surgical complexity: Healing tends to take longer, if bone grafts were put in or multiple implants were placed.
✔️ Individual healing ability: Some people may heal faster than others, taking longer in the case of certain occurrences due to medical conditions like diabetes.
How to Manage and Alleviate Numbness
✔️ Be Patient: In most cases, numbness fades as the nerves recover.
✔️ Avoid hot foods and drinks: Because you might not notice changes in temperature, be careful not to burn yourself.
✔️ Massage the area gently: Light rub on the outside of your cheek promotes blood circulation, thus allowing healing of the nerves.
✔️ Post-surgery care: Good oral hygiene and rest will support quicker recovery.
✔️ Consult your dentist: Should numbness last beyond a couple of weeks, your dentist will be able to assess the situation.
When to See a Dentist
???? Numbness goes beyond 4 weeks
???? Tingling discomfort or pain, or weakness in movement
???? Chewing or speaking problems due to the numbness
If you are worried about extended numbness after your dental implant procedure, visit Smile Again Dental Clinic for expert advice. Our experienced team ensures safe and effective implant placement with proper post-surgical care. For the Best Dental Implant in Mumbai, trust us for quality treatment and long-term oral health. Book your appointment today!