The lingual nerve plays a crucial role in your ability to taste, feel, and sense temperature on the front two-thirds of your tongue. It also contributes to how you speak and chew. When it’s injured, everyday experiences can be disrupted.
If you’ve noticed numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or a change in taste after a dental procedure or injury, it can feel unsettling. The good news is that treatment options exist and recovery is possible.
What Is the Lingual Nerve?
The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is part of the trigeminal nerve—one of the major nerves in the face. It travels along the floor of the mouth to the tongue, sending signals that let you sense texture, temperature, and taste. This nerve plays an important role in chewing comfortably, speaking clearly, and enjoying the full range of flavors in your food.
What Causes Lingual Nerve Injury?
Lingual nerve injuries most often occur during dental or oral surgical procedures, particularly in the lower jaw. Common causes include:
- Wisdom teeth removal, especially lower third molars
- Dental implant surgery
- Root canal treatment
- Local anesthetic injections
It’s also possible for injuries to result from trauma to the jaw or tongue, tumors, or surgical complications in the mouth.
Symptoms of Lingual Nerve Damage
Lingual nerve injuries can cause a variety of sensations and changes, such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the tongue, gums, or lower jaw
- Loss or alteration of taste
- Burning or electric-shock-like sensations
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking clearly
These symptoms can affect more than just physical comfort, but can influence your confidence and overall quality of life.
Will It Heal on Its Own?
Some lingual nerve injuries are temporary and improve within 8–12 weeks as the nerve heals. However, if symptoms persist beyond a few months, it may be a sign of more significant damage. Early evaluation by a specialist is important to determine whether surgery could help restore sensation and function.
Treatment Options for Lingual Nerve Injury
Initial treatment may involve observation, medications to manage discomfort, or desensitization techniques to retrain the nerve. If your symptoms haven’t improved after 3–6 months, surgical repair may be the best option for long-term recovery.
Lingual Nerve Repair Surgery
Lingual nerve repair surgery is a delicate microsurgical procedure aimed at restoring nerve function and improving quality of life. Depending on the nature of the injury, options may include:
- Primary repair – carefully reconnecting the nerve directly through fine sutures
- Nerve grafting – using donor or autologous nerve tissue to bridge gaps
- Conduit-assisted repair – guiding nerve regeneration with a specialized connector
Timing plays an important role. Best results are often achieved when surgery is performed within 6–12 months of the injury. The goal is functional sensory recovery to restore taste, touch, and comfort.
Most patients notice gradual changes over several months as the nerve regenerates. Early on, you may experience mild swelling or altered sensations. Regular follow-up visits allow us to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
Lingual nerve repair requires a combination of surgical precision, leading-edge technological support, and an understanding of how nerve injuries affect daily life. At Advanced Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we provide:
- Proven expertise in oral and maxillofacial microsurgery
- Advanced imaging and surgical planning tools
- Personalized treatment tailored to your symptoms and goals
If you’re experiencing symptoms of lingual nerve injury, early evaluation is key. We’ll help you understand your options and create a plan that gives you the best opportunity for recovery. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward restoring comfort and confidence.
