Post-Teeth Cleaning Numbness and Pain: Is It Nerve Damage or Infection? - Dentistry

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Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced significant discomfort following a dental cleaning, particularly around your wisdom teeth. The numbness and pain in your tongue, along with the presence of a white sore, are concerning symptoms that warrant further investigation.

Firstly, it's important to understand that dental cleanings can sometimes lead to temporary irritation or trauma to the surrounding tissues, especially if there are underlying issues such as impacted wisdom teeth. In your case, the fact that your wisdom tooth is horizontal (impacted) could have contributed to the trauma during the cleaning process. The instruments used during the cleaning could potentially irritate the soft tissues or even come close to the nerves that innervate the tongue, leading to numbness and pain.

The numbness you experienced could be due to several factors:
1. Nerve Irritation or Damage: If the cleaning process involved significant manipulation around the wisdom tooth, it is possible that the nerve was irritated. This could lead to temporary numbness or altered sensation in the tongue. In most cases, if the nerve is merely irritated, the symptoms should resolve on their own, as seems to be the case with your recovery.

2. Infection: If there was any pre-existing infection around the wisdom tooth or if the cleaning process introduced bacteria into the area, this could lead to localized infection. The presence of a white sore and bleeding could indicate an ulcer or an infection, which might have contributed to the pain and numbness.
3. Post-Operative Complications: Sometimes, after dental procedures, patients can experience complications such as dry socket or localized infections, especially if the procedure involved the extraction of teeth or manipulation of the gums.

Given that your symptoms have improved, it seems that the issue may have been temporary. However, if you experience any recurrence of symptoms, such as numbness, pain, or any new symptoms, it would be wise to consult your dentist again. They may want to perform an examination and possibly imaging studies to rule out any underlying issues, such as an abscess or further nerve involvement.

In terms of choosing a good dentist, consider the following tips:
- Qualifications and Experience: Look for a dentist who is board-certified and has experience with the specific procedures you may need.

- Patient Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials from other patients to gauge their experiences.

- Communication: A good dentist should be willing to explain procedures, answer your questions, and address your concerns.

- Comfort Level: Choose a dentist where you feel comfortable and confident in their care.

In conclusion, while your symptoms following the dental cleaning were concerning, they appear to have resolved. However, if you have any lingering issues or if symptoms return, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation from your dentist. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to dental health.