Monday, August 10, 2026

is numbness after having a tooth pulled normal?

the partial numbness of my face even though I can still move my lower lip and talk are concerning to me because I don't remember anything exactly like it before during the last  78 years of dental work. However, it is true the oral surgeon told me he had to chip away at my jaw in order to loosen my back right molar to get it out so it could be something to do with this. I just took another antibiotic so maybe this will help. Not sure.
 
It presently is a week ago tomorrow that I had this tooth pulled. 
 
 begin quotes:
 
Short-term numbness is normal for 2 to 8 hours after a tooth pulled due to local anesthesia, but long-lasting numbness can mean nerve irritation.
Normal vs. Concerning Numbness
  • Normal Numbness: Lasts 2 to 8 hours (sometimes up to 12 hours) while local anesthesia wears off. You may feel mild tingling as feeling returns.
  • Concerning Numbness: Lasts past 24 hours, affects your tongue, lip, or chin for days, or turns into sharp burning pain. This happens if a nearby nerve got bruised or pressed during the pull.
Safe Care While Numb
  • Do not chew food on the numb side so you do not bite your lip or tongue by accident.
  • Avoid hot drinks so you do not burn your mouth without realizing it.
  • Call your dentist if the numbness does not go away after 24 hours.
If you'd like, tell me:
  • How many hours has it been since your procedure?
  • Which tooth was pulled (upper or lower, front or back)?
I can give you a better idea of what to expect next.
  • Arkansas Oral & Facial Surgery Center
    Numbness After Oral Surgery | A Complete Guide
    May 8, 2026 — Numbness After Oral Surgery: Causes, Recovery, and When to Call * Why Numbness Happens. Several routine procedures can briefly aff...
  • NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd.
    After Tooth Extraction Blacksburg VA | Patient Recovery Information
    This information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Numbness in the throat, chin, cheeks, lips, and tongue can last ...
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This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

 

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