This is due to interference with the nerves supplying sensation to these areas and is usually temporary. Feeling can be expected to return to these areas within a few weeks following surgery however may even take several months to return. Unfortunately, in a very small percentage of cases, this may be permanent.
In terms of recovery time, the period is very variable, ranging from 30 days, up to 12 months, or even some years in exceptional cases. Keep in mind that nerves have the ability to regenerate if they have been damaged, so the feeling of numbness will disappear once these slow regeneration processes have been completed.
In the majority of cases, the nerve recovers over a period of months and sensation returns to normal. However in approximately 25% of patients, some alteration of sensation persists over time. Whilst this does not affect the way a patient looks or the way the lip moves, it can take some time to become accustomed to.
Contemporary maxillofacial surgical procedures pose significant risk (up to 100%) of injury to sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. Sensation and sensory function are most often impaired, but seldom completely lost, and only a small percentage of patients develop post-traumatic neuropathic pain 6,14.
To achieve full recovery, the nerve must undergo three main processes: Wallerian degeneration (the clearing process of the distal stump), axonal regeneration, and end-organ reinnervation.
Many people recover from sudden facial nerve paralysis without medical treatment, though full recovery may take as long as a year. NYU Langone doctors monitor nerve function as it returns using tests such as electromyography.
Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock. Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, speaking or brushing teeth. Attacks of pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. Pain that occurs with facial spasms.
Complete recovery may take three to six months. The amount of control a person has over the facial muscles improves slowly.
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.
Determining the risk of nerve damage with proper imaging is critical. A panorex and CBCT scan is done to determine the level of risk during an extraction. If a tooth is considered high risk then a coronectomy is indicated.
On average, damaged nerves can grow back at a rate of about 1 inch per month or 1 millimeter per day. Surgery is needed if there is significant scar tissue or a gap between cut nerve ends.
You're likely to notice gradual improvement after about two weeks. Within three months, most people have recovered full motion and function of their face. A delay in recovery is often accompanied by some form of abnormal facial function.
You may need to take at least 2–3 weeks off work/school for your surgery. Most patients feel fairly good after about 2 weeks of recovery, but because of the dietary changes, it may be as long as 6 weeks before you have most of your energy back.
3) Eating and talking as normally as possible is a good exercise for the facial muscles, as it favors their recovery. During the first week, simply trying to open and close your mouth without straining, speaking, and vocalizing can help improve muscle tone and movement.
Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function. Spinach, broccoli and kale also contain a micronutrient called alpha-lipoic acid that prevents nerve damage and improves nerve function.
A massage helps to reduce effects of injury by relieving compression of nerves an encouraging repair of damaged nervous tissues to increase. Relief of compressed nerves and healing of damaged nervous tissues reduces negative sensations such as pins and needles and numbness to improve sensation.
In many cases, supplementing with vitamin B-12 can reduce the pain associated with neuropathy. More rarely, it can help repair the myelin sheath, depending on the cause of the neuropathy. However, B-12's ability to speed up tissue regeneration and improve nerve function can be helpful for some.
Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your teeth. Then use your tongue to push your top teeth forward and, while doing that, slowly open your mouth, stretching those tight jaw muscles. Stop doing this when you feel pain. You can repeat this ten times.
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia
The main symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is sudden attacks of severe, sharp and shooting facial pain that last from a few seconds to about two minutes. The pain is often described as an excruciating sensation, similar to an electric shock.
Starting after the surgery, nerves begin growing every day, at the rate of 1 mm per day, or 1 inch a month in a healthy 25-year-old. If you are older, they grow back at a slower rate. If nerves have not been cut, they take roughly up six to12 months to heal.
Symptoms of facial nerve paralysis include drooping skin around the brow, eye, cheek, and mouth. When a muscle loses motor function, it relaxes completely, and the skin above the muscle relaxes as well.
In many instances, nerve damage cannot be cured entirely. But there are various treatments that can reduce your symptoms. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is important to consult with a doctor when you first notice symptoms. That way you can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage.