What happens if the mandibular nerve is damaged?

Loss of sensation of the cheek and/or mandibular lip may lead to traumatic injury to the soft tissues during chewing and mastication and may affect the ability to drink. Significant pain may also be associated with these sensory functions, which may be debilitating to the patient.

How do you treat mandibular nerve damage?

Treatment of problems relating to the mandibular nerve depends largely on the nature of the damage and the symptoms it causes. Treatment may include anti-inflammatories, such as steroids or ibuprofen, and possibly surgical repair. Several drugs can be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, Tegretol (carbamazepine)

What are the symptoms of a damage of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve?

Pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead. Pain affecting one side of the face at a time. Pain focused in one spot or spread in a wider pattern.

Can the mandibular nerve heal?

A patient may experience numbness, taste disturbance, a tingling sensation, or heightened sensitivity after the procedure. However, according to the Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Research, most nerve injuries of this kind recover within six months, and in rare cases take up to 24 months.

What does the mandibular nerve supply?

In general, the mandibular nerve supplies the lower face for sensation over the mandible, including the attached teeth, the TMJ and the mucous membrane of the mouth as well as the anterior two-thirds of the tongue (the posterior one third is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve).

How long does it take for dental nerve damage to heal?

While most nerve damages are always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage.

What does nerve damage in mouth feel like?

A dull ache along the gum line. Pain that targets a single tooth or radiates throughout the mouth. Discomfort that worsens after eating, especially following meals that are hot, cold, or acidic.

What happens if trigeminal nerve is damaged?

A trigeminal nerve injury may affect a small area, like part of your gum, or a large area, like one side of your face. The injury can cause problems with chewing and speaking. The extent depends on where the nerve damage occurs. You may have ongoing numbness or facial pain in the area that the nerve serves.

How long does nerve damage in mouth take to heal?

It can take 6-12 months to recover, but may result in some permanent dysfunction depending on the nature and severity of injury. Neurotmesis is the complete severing of the nerve, and will need microsurgical repair to achieve any significant recovery.