Can Tooth Extraction Damage Nerves? Risks and Symptoms

Is it possible to damage nerves during tooth extraction?

First, I would like to ask if it is possible for tooth extraction to damage the cranial nerves.
I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted in mid-February (after the Lunar New Year), and later, when the wound accidentally came into contact with ice water, it was extremely painful.
The extraction site became swollen, and it seemed like the swelling extended to the back of my neck on the left side (near my left ear).
Eventually, the swelling subsided after taking anti-inflammatory medication.
However, recently I have been experiencing insomnia, which makes me feel like there is something blocking the back of my neck on the left side, causing me to feel like I am not sleeping deeply and waking up easily.
After waking up, I find it difficult to fall back asleep.
During that time, I also experienced very intrusive thoughts, along with the same sensation of swelling.
Is this related to the tooth extraction? If I want to get checked, should I go to a neurologist?

Roy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/05/30

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

The nerve responsible for dental sensation is the trigeminal nerve.
Tooth extraction can make the trigeminal nerve more susceptible to external environmental influences, leading to pain.
Additionally, some soft tissues in the face and throat are interconnected; if there is localized inflammation, it may progressively extend along the soft tissue spaces to the deep neck, resulting in swelling and pain in the neck.
If there is an infection in the deep neck tissues, it can be life-threatening.
These situations require careful attention, and one should consult an otolaryngologist, dentist, or oral surgeon.

Reply Date: 2008/05/30

More Info

Tooth extraction, particularly of wisdom teeth, can indeed pose risks to nearby nerves, particularly the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and the lingual nerve. These nerves are responsible for sensation in the lower jaw and tongue, respectively. Damage to these nerves during extraction can lead to complications such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas. While it is uncommon for tooth extraction to directly damage cranial nerves, the proximity of dental structures to these nerves means that there is a potential for indirect effects, especially if there is significant swelling or infection following the procedure.

In your case, the pain and swelling you experienced after the extraction, particularly when you accidentally exposed the area to ice water, could indicate inflammation or irritation of the surrounding tissues. This inflammation might be causing referred sensations, which could explain the feeling of pressure or swelling in your neck and the difficulty sleeping. The sensation of something being "blocked" in your neck could also be related to muscle tension or anxiety stemming from the pain and discomfort you experienced post-extraction.

The symptoms of insomnia and intrusive thoughts you mentioned may not be directly related to the tooth extraction itself but could be influenced by the stress and discomfort you are experiencing. Pain and discomfort can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can affect sleep quality. It’s important to consider that the body’s response to pain can manifest in various ways, including psychological symptoms.

If you are concerned about nerve damage or if your symptoms persist, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional. A dentist or oral surgeon can evaluate the extraction site for any signs of complications, such as infection or nerve damage. If necessary, they may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation, especially if you are experiencing persistent neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling.

In summary, while tooth extraction can potentially damage nerves, the symptoms you are experiencing may be multifactorial. It is essential to communicate your concerns with your healthcare provider, who can guide you through the appropriate steps for diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to assess the situation further. Additionally, managing pain and anxiety through appropriate medications or therapies could help improve your overall well-being and sleep quality.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Nerve Damage Risks and Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Hello, Doctor: I have a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth, with the roots very close to the inferior alveolar nerve, which has caused decay in my second molar down to the root, so it needs to be extracted. Before the extraction, the dentist informed me that there was a possibili...

Dr. Zhuang Suhui reply Dentistry
You can undergo nerve conduction studies in the departments of Neurology, Otolaryngology, or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (the specific department may vary by hospital, so it is advisable to contact them first to confirm). This test can determine whether there is any damage, th...

Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Always Risk Nerve Damage?

Is it true that removing wisdom teeth will always damage nerves? I have a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth that I want to have extracted, but I've read a lot of information online stating that it can injure nerves, which makes me quite anxious! Could you please explain thi...

Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry
If the position of the wisdom tooth is very close to the inferior alveolar nerve canal, the dentist will be very careful during extraction. For the rest, you can rest assured that the nerve will not be harmed. Of course, if a nerve block anesthesia is used, there is a possibility...

Concerns About Nerve Damage When Extracting Wisdom Teeth

Hello Dr. Lin, I am 20 years old and recently had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted for orthodontic treatment (it had not yet erupted). Before the extraction, the doctor reviewed my full mouth X-ray and mentioned that there was a possibility of nerve damage, but reassured me t...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with the oral surgery department at a medical center to have your lower right wisdom tooth extracted. Once the extraction is completed and confirmed to be without complications, you can return to your original clinic for o...

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Why Is My Tooth Nerve Hurting?

It has been about a month since I had my wisdom teeth removed, but the wound has not fully healed yet. During the first two weeks after the extraction, I didn't have major issues while eating, but I experienced sharp pain in the dental nerve, especially when consuming sweet ...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Andy, Hello! Based on what you described, it is possible that you are experiencing pain in your second molar. If the pain is severe, a root canal treatment may be necessary. Please communicate more with your dentist. Thank you! Wishing you good health! Sincerely, Dr...