That persistent numbness, tingling or strange taste in your tongue after a dental procedure is not something to ignore. While some temporary altered sensation can occur, lasting symptoms may indicate damage to the lingual nerve. Understanding the signs of a lingual nerve injury (LNI) is the first step toward seeking the right medical and legal help.
If you suspect your lingual nerve was damaged due to a dentist’s negligence, you may have legal options. Our firm specializes in these complex cases. Learn more on our main Florida Lingual & Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury page.
What Is the Lingual Nerve?
The lingual nerve is a critical nerve branch in your jaw that provides sensation — including touch, pain and temperature — as well as taste perception to the front two-thirds of your tongue. Its location near the lower wisdom teeth and the floor of the mouth makes it vulnerable during certain dental procedures.
How Does Lingual Nerve Damage Occur?
Most lingual nerve injuries are iatrogenic, meaning they are caused by medical or dental treatment. While LNI is a known risk of some procedures, it can also be the result of a dentist’s error or negligence. Common causes include:
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction: The nerve can be stretched, compressed or severed by instruments or bone fragments during the removal of lower wisdom teeth.
- Dental Implant Placement: Improper drilling or positioning of an implant in the lower jaw can traumatize the nerve.
- Anesthetic Injections: A poorly administered mandibular block injection can cause direct trauma or chemical injury to the nerve.
- Other Jaw Surgeries: Any surgical procedure on the floor of the mouth or inner jaw carries a risk if not performed with meticulous care.
The 5 Key Signs and Symptoms of a Lingual Nerve Injury
If your lingual nerve has been damaged, you will likely experience one or more of the following symptoms, typically on one side of your tongue:
- Persistent Numbness or Altered Sensation: This is the most common sign. Your tongue may feel numb (like the anesthesia never wore off), tingly (“pins and needles”), or have a strange “crawling” sensation.
- Altered or Lost Taste (Dysgeusia/Ageusia): You may have difficulty tasting food, or experience a persistent metallic, bitter or phantom taste.
- Painful Sensations (Neuropathic Pain): The injury can cause the nerve to send faulty signals, resulting in burning, shooting or electric shock-like pains in the tongue.
- Difficulty with Speech or Eating: Numbness can make it difficult to articulate words clearly. You may also find yourself accidentally biting your tongue or having trouble manipulating food while chewing.
- Drooling or Altered Feeling of Saliva: Lack of sensation can make it difficult to manage saliva or feel where it is in your mouth.
While mild symptoms might resolve in a few weeks, any symptoms that are severe or persist for more than a month warrant immediate attention.
What to Do if You Suspect You Have a Lingual Nerve Injury
If you are experiencing the symptoms above, it’s crucial to take proactive steps:
- Contact the Original Dentist or Surgeon: Inform them of your persistent symptoms immediately. They need to document your condition and may have initial recommendations.
- Seek a Second Opinion from a Specialist: It is highly recommended to get an evaluation from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a neurologist who specializes in nerve injuries. They can provide an independent diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms. Note the date they started, what they feel like, and how they impact your daily life (eating, speaking, etc.).
- Consult an Experienced Dental Malpractice Attorney: If your injury is significant and you suspect it may have been caused by a preventable error, it is vital to understand your legal rights. A lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim.
When is a Lingual Nerve Injury Considered Dental Malpractice?
Not every LNI is the result of malpractice. However, you may have a valid claim if the injury was caused by a deviation from the accepted standard of care. This could include a dentist’s failure to properly plan a procedure, using improper surgical techniques, or not managing complications correctly.
Proving this requires a thorough investigation and expert legal knowledge. Lisa Levine is a skilled and experienced attorney who specializes in handling lingual nerve damage lawsuits in Florida and throughout the United States. With her expertise and dedication, she can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Suffer in Silence. Understand Your Legal Options.
A lingual nerve injury can have a profound impact on your quality of life. If you believe your injury was caused by a dentist’s mistake, you need an advocate on your side.
Contact Lisa S. Levine, P.A. today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, review the circumstances of your case, and advise you on your potential legal options.
Call Toll-Free: (855) 551-8060
Or Explore Our Lingual Nerve Injury Legal Services Page for More Information.