Saturday, April 24, 2010

How a simple dentist appointment can change your life

On Dec 30, 2009 I went for a routine dental visit to have two fillings done. I left with a puzzling injury I'd never heard of, which would end up causing me severe pain all over my face, tongue, mouth, and throat, in addition to migraine headaches and earaches, cost me over $10k in medical bills, and cause me to lose my job. It completely obliterated my social life and changed an active, happy, healthy single mom into a chronic pain sufferer who needs to be medicated to get through every day. I'm not the only person this has ever happened to, so I'm writing to share with others, and vice versa. While I may seem down about it (it's hard not to be) I'm really doing much better - trying to stay positive and focus on things that make me happy :)

I didn't KNOW I had a lingual nerve injury for a long time - no one ever told me. I just knew my mouth burnt like heck, to the point where even talking was excruciating, and I was unquenchably thirsty, starting the day after a routine dental visit. Ten weeks later, after my dentist had twice blown me off saying I just had "sensitive teeth" or "allergies", and 5 doctors failed to diagnose me, including neurologists at the Cleveland Clinic, I finally figured it out on my own, through numerous hours spent online researching my symptoms and learning more than I ever want to know about dental anatomy.

I have no medical background whatsoever, I just cared more than they did, and had more urgency because I was in terrible pain. I've attached a link to the Wiki page that illustrates what a lingual nerve is as part of the trigeminal nerve branch...(click the headline of this post for the link).

My Lingual Nerve injury was caused by a "needle stick" - the dentist hit a nerve during a simple anesthesia injection. I do remember just about jumping out of the chair when I felt that injection and signaling to him that I was in pain (which he ignored). Starting the next day, New Year's, I just knew my tongue was on fire, and I couldn't drink enough water, no matter how much. Then the migraines and teeth throbbing started, and it all went downhill from there. I began an expensive round-robin being bounced around to doctors all over town trying to figure out what was wrong with me. No one ever did.

After much internet research, I diagnosed myself with lingual nerve injury, which was later confirmed by the head of the orofacial pain clinic at a nearby University. My dentist still has never admitted to anything. And, by the way, during this time, I also had to endure 2 root canals that he'd missed, which also meant finding other doctors to perform these procedures, hoping that they wouldn't make things even worse.

Burning Mouth Syndrome has some similarities though it's different, but in fact, my dentist misdiagnosed me with BMS (even though I said, isn't odd it would start the very day after my dental visit? And only hurt on ONE SIDE?). He didn't want to admit any liability, but if he had treated me immediately, I might have had a much swifter, more successful recovery. My guess is some people who've been told they have BMS could, like me, actually have a lingual or alveolar nerve injury, not BMS, and don't even realize it. Think about when your symptoms started (after dental work?) and whether it seems worse on one side than the other.

I'm told the odds of this injury happening are about 1 in 100; considering how many dental injections are done every day in the world, that doesn't sound so rare to me. There are many nerves running throughout our mouths that lead into the trigeminal nerve. Nerves branch out from there into most of your head, face, and of course the teeth, tongue and oral mucosa. This can cause:
  • burning tongue
  • throbbing, sensitive teeth (such as to wind blowing, or to cold)
  • feeling like the tongue is clamped
  • many people report "battery acid" or "crackling electrical" feeling on the tongue
  • numbness and/or loss of taste - or, just the opposite, hypersensitivity
  • chemical taste, "chewing tin foil" feeling
  • feeling like you've been punched in the cheek that doesn't go away
  • headaches
  • teeth feeling like they are "on ice" or tightly held by a vice-grip

  • burning throat (on one side only)
  • lingering numbness from novocaine
  • a bruised feeling in teeth, face, or neck (but only on one side)
  • and more
    (feel free to add your symptoms)

    It is thought that this is seriously underreported, so if you have suffered numbness or pain that lingers for weeks or more after a dental visit, please do post here. I've set it up so you can post anonymously if you so choose. Sometimes the Inferior Alveolar nerve is injured. Though some injuries happen from clumsy, imprecise injections with "novocaine" (aka lidocain, articane, septicane, carbocaine, etc...). my understanding is it may even more often happen when wisdom teeth are being extracted (on the bottom).

    If you are feeling burning pain on your tongue and teeth, gums or lining of the mouth and/or cheek, I am sorry for the pain that brought you here. There is already a board called Lingual Nerve Injury Forum, and also sciental.net, which are quite good in their own right, however as usually happens with these things, posts begin to drop off as the injured recovers or just gets so sick and tired of being sick and tired after 6 months or more that he/she stops posting.

    That leaves those of us who are still suffering dangling and looking for hope elsewhere. So I decided to start my own blog. Since there are so few people who understand this crazy condition, I find great comfort in sharing notes and stories with others who are in the same boat, and want to keep it going. I welcome all of your posts and hope you will vigorously participate. Let's try to keep it nice here guys, we are here to support one another, goodness knows we are all dealing with enough pain already...

    I have been struggling with this injury for 4 months now. Some people are lucky; they have temporary numbness (parasthesia) or burning pain (dysesthesia) for just a few days or weeks. But for some, the pain just continues 24x7 for months on end - some even report still not feeling normal after many years. 
    Already I've made it through the worst part, when I wanted to end it all rather than go through another day of this Hell on earth. It is getting better, but I still never feel normal - not for one stinkin' day...Maybe for a few hours when I first wake up, til I start eating and talking.

    Since nerves heal exceedingly slowly (1mm per day is what I'm told) there is no telling just how long til you're better - assuming you are one of the 85% that makes a full recovery. If you see signs of recovery within the first few months, your chances of recovery are said to be better. 

    You can become very depressed and anti-social with this thing, since talking makes it much worse and many have even lost their jobs because of the pain, exhaustion and numerous doctor visits (me included). That's one of the things that makes a blog so critical - we may not be able to talk very well, but we can write, dammit!!

    If you've already recovered, or think you may have this injury but aren't sure, please share your story- including treatments you used and how long it took - whatever you think might help someone who is still in the trenches. Share with others and warn anyone who's going to the dentist.

    This injury can happen any time a dentist or oral surgeon doesn't take proper care. Everyone's anatomy is different, so the nerves aren't always in exactly the same place, but dentists know this, and are taught in dental school how to handle this and to react when a patient complains because something may have occurred to injure the nerve. However, in my case, my appointment was on the last day of the year, and it was a packed house, with everyone trying to get their dental work done before the new insurance deductible started for 2010. The dentist rushed the procedure and accidentally injured me; but worst of all was that he ignored my complaints afterward and all my pleading for help with the pain for weeks afterward. I learned what a crazy and debilitating condition lingual nerve injury actually is. Many other innocent and trusting dental patients have been injured - let's hear YOUR story. 

    UPDATE- I've now been writing this blog now for over 3 years and there have been many tips, updates, and contributions from others who share a similar fate; you can link to and browse those additional articles on the right hand side of this page.  We also have a Facebook page, the address of which is mentioned in some of my later posts (2011-2012). Please feel free to comment here and send friend requests on FB.

    357 comments:

    1. Here we go. The first comment for this post. I want to sympathize with you Jane. Call me a lurker if you want to, i have all of your posts with great interest. Advice? None! you've done your homework and i give you an A+. Me? injured a long time ago, not fully recovered but doing fine because the situation is livable. OK, one little advise: give it more time maybe? You are a great storyteller.

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      1. Its only been a wk but i went to the dentist to have 3 teeth extracted, one being on the lower right side. I needed more novacaine because I was not yet numb, when he injected again, i felt what can only be described as an electric shock going threw out my mouth. I practically jumped out of my chair the oral surgeon's response was sometimes I'm too good. every morning since I wake up with horrible pain on the right side of my mouth behind my ear and my throat area. it feels as though somebody beat me in the side of my face. I have no numbness but much sensitivity I have a hard time talking and or eating, I'm taking ibprofen numerous times a day. to be exact about 5000 milligrams just to take the ease off. is extremely uncomfortable and painful and I can't seem to do anything to make the pain better. not saying I have this disorder because it has only been a week but I've been googling such things because I've never experienced this after tooth extraction which I have had done before. I will remain patient and give it a little bit more time but this constant pain is driving me nuts!! thank you for your blogs and giving me some insight and information I only hope for the best....

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      2. My nerve same area next day after fillings teethe feel fine but the nerve a muscle where noocain injected feel like a tight sore muscle can open, y mouth too far. I,was,a dental assistant for nine yrs and in medical over 20 yrs and I really question the safty of this method!!! Itsavery ricky thing to have the novocaine injected to,the body in forst place, how mmch over time effects the liver and body. Amd tuen to be injecting into a nerve and yes rare cases but could effect a person for life at risk just so its mostly more convienient to the Dr! All heath care needs to slow own and e more responsable for the lives they treat and care for at the expece of their time and money, for it is our time, money out f pocket and ins pays them and our life!!!!

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    2. Pierre,
      Glad to see you have been "lurkin" around, and thank you for your nice remarks!

      If I seem impatient, it's because I'm just venting sometimes; I'm still hurting and I miss my former "normal" life. That, plus losing a job and spending tons on this condition has also made me cranky. It keeps sticking in my mind my Dr. said I should be healed by 4 months; having now passed that makes me even more concerned I suppose.

      How much time would you all say is reasonable (what's the consensus?) 6-7 months? More?

      Dealing with this condition has been very isolating, and I really value the sense of community and support found online. Thank you everyone who is lurking, reading, and writing!

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      1. I am relieved, and saddened, to see that my experience is not just somethhing I've made up. I had an extraction go very wrong at the dentist 6 months ago. It took me 2 weeks to be able to open my mouth wider than a spoon could slip in. I finally had minimal, tingling sensations return to my cheek 2 months later. I still don't have full control over my facial movements on that side of my face. Cool liquids feel like they're dripping right out my gum. I still have no taste on that side of my tongue. My dentist acts like I'm making it all up, yet he's the one that didn't "realize" it was. An impacted tooth till he cut me open. You'd think that would have been pretty obvious on the xrays he'd taken just 2 days earlier...

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    3. Hi all! I have been searching a long time just to find a place to share.Here is some of my story.Almost 4 years ago I went to Tufts dental school in Boston where I live.I had work done there before with no problem.This time things would change drastically for the worst.I was having 2 implants done and a 4 unit bridge. The bridge was a failure and 3 of the 4 teeth had to be sawed out.About this time my tongue on the side where the bridge was started to burn.I knew nothing about damaged nerves but had heard of BMS.I self diagnosed myself and went to Tufts oriofacial clinic where they concured with my diagnosis without even examining me.I started on Neurontin and have been on any number of anti-seizure meds.In the Spring of this year I went to MGH and was diagnosed with Lingual nerve damage.Before I left the doctors office He gave me something to think about.He told me of a procedure called a rhizomoty.The trigeminal nerve is cut and theoretically the pain should stop.When I met with the Neurosurgeon he discouraged me and told me he had little success and some of his patients got worse.
      Right now I am with a pain doctor, although I don't yet understand what he's all about.
      My daily coctail consists of Neurontin,Elavil
      topamax, Salagen,Remeron and Tramadol.I'm still here. I can't work.went on Disability and keep scouring the web and anything else That might help me.For me, I don't see this condition getting better on its own.
      Stan

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    4. Stan,
      So glad you stumbled upon our site. You certainly have been through the mill, haven't you?
      The pain doc you're seeing can Rx your nerve/anti-seizure meds and give you narcotics for the really bad days. Do you find some days worse than others?

      What prognosis did MGD give you once you were properly diagnosed? Are you now on long term disability? I was unfortunately unemployed from a layoff when my LNI happened so did not/do not get any disability, so you should feel "lucky" in some small way.

      No one should have to live life on all those meds. The docs will cavalierly tell you it's a risk of any dental procedure, but that doesn't make it any easier to live with when it happens to you. I hope you find this site helps you.

      Please keep reading, keep posting, and keep us posted!

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      1. So its been 6 months since my wksdom teeth were pulled. My dentist recommended me get them pulled so my teeth will stay straight. So i went to all access and got all 4 pulled out. The bottom left tooth broke in my mouth while he was trying to remove it. From that dentist visit on the left part of my tongue and inner gums have been numb/tingly. By tingly i mean it feels the same as it would if ur feet fell asleep. I cant taste anything on that side of my mouth. So most of my food taste bland :( on top of that i bite my tongue while eating a lot because of the numbness. I have sorta gotten used to it being there, but not fully. It drives me nuts. And im rlly scared that it wont ever heal. Like i said 6 months and no change in feeling. I got back to all access dental every 3 months. When i go he pokes my tongue and gums all over with a needle and says hes gunna draw my mouth and put the numb spots on it with color and he will continue to do that every 3 to 6 month which isnt fun nor can i afford to keep going back. The scariest part s he just ieeps telling me it will heal but hasnt yet and i asked how to fix the problem if it doesnt heal on its own and he said there is nothing. So i am stuck with numbness/tingling feeling with no tatse for the rest of my life because my dentist fucked up. I should be able to do something abt this.but theres nothing. If anyone has any idea on how to help this healing process id love to know.

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      2. I feel the same I wish I can just sue these cruel 2 face, , heart less , hungry money jerks

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      3. I feel bad that people go through this. It happened to me. However it is not that your dentist 'fucked up' with the injection. If you read the inforamtion about this you will see that they were very close to the nerve and, if the patient feels something, they should withdraw and re angle the needle. I didn't feel anything but had a numb lip for 3 months. I was lucky. We need to stop blaming and realize that, to get your numb, your dentist has to be within 3-5mm of the nerve. I talked to my friend who is a malpractice lawyer b/c I was angry and was told there is nothing you can do as it is an 'inherent risk' of a procedure and is expected in 1:100 0000 injections. Again I would rather have the numb lip then the trauma of having my wisdome teeth extracted without freezing. I hope you get better...i know i'm lucky

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    5. I just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for starting this blog. My lingual nerve was injured over six years ago, and although I get better over time, progress can be quite slow. I hope to contribute to this board more in the future, but for now I just wanted to let you know that you've reached a fellow sufferer who is thankful to find others in the same or similar boat. Without the internet, I might think I was crazy since no one in my offline life seems to know what I'm (we're) going through. It is a daily struggle.

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      1. Hello, I was wondering how long it took for you to recover and if you have recovered completely? I have nerve damage from removal of a lower wisdom tooth and am in my 8th month. A lady I know also had the same problem and was told by her Dentist that whatever healing takes place will do so in a year. I am coming up on a year so am starting to panic a bit. I would love to hear that someone was still recovering after one year. Thank you.

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      2. This reply comes a bit late, and looking at my original comment, I cannot believe it was posted back in 2010. Seems like just a few months ago. In any event, this August will be 8 years since I was injured, and I still struggle with this injury, but I also still experience slow improvement. What I have discovered is that doctors and dentists do not have a good understanding of this injury. It is possible to continue healing after one year. I have good days and bad -- highs and lows. Today is a "low" low, meaning as bad as it gets for me at this stage, and it is hard to get through days like this, especially at work. But, my lows usually do not last more than 2 or 3 days at a time, and then it is usually back to a baseline level, which is still quite irritating, but bearable at least.

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      3. I am so happy to hear it can take time to heal. I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed by an Oral Surgeon and still have some burning/tingling in my chin and gums. I have read that it is likely permanent if not healed by now which is so depressing. So good to hear from people who are experiencing healing years after the damage was done. I don't wish this on anyone.

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    6. well this is nice to know abt since i just had thirteen cavities filled. My family dentist is very good but today i went to get another filling and instead of my usual ( and only ) dentist doing the shot my NEW hegenist did it unexpectiingly . He was shaking and nervous as well as i was . stuck me four times ,one around my tonsel the second was vertically in my gum , the third was beside the one by my tonsel and the fourth was in my lower cheek i was so scared and dissy i thought to myself since when do hygenists do shots? he left for a few minutes .For that few minutes i noticed my jaw muscle was tighter than ever i could barely open my mouth then my ear and temple and hairline was numb . I noticed my regular hygenist behind me and told her abt it and she said ill get the dentist to do it the right way . The dentist came in and re-did it the right way .I told him i wasnt a practice doll for people in training . When i came home i had a terrible headache and my ear is still numb and my appointment was at 2:20 pm this afternoon. My tonsel hurts and my jaw hurts .I know if i wake up tomorrow with symptoms of lingual nerve damage im suing the hygenist.and i pray for all of you who have lingual nerve damage must me horrible just keep your heads high and let nothing in your way .

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    7. I went to a dentist about three and half weeks ago and had two teeth prepared for crowns. I was very nervous as it had been over 20years since I had been to a dentist. In my nervousness I am sure I talked to much and asked to many questions. The dentist seemed to be offended and said if you don't trust me we may as well stop now, he was very defensive. But I needed the work done and I stayed even though I felt bullied, and after the procedure just beat up or manhandled for lack of a better word. Later after the numbness wore off I had that throbbing sensation that went from my ear down my jaw line and across the top to the center front teeth. The work was all in the far back. The throbbing lasted 2 and half weeks solid and then just once in a while after that but even my front teeth will still ache at least once in a day. My problem is now I need to go back to get the crowns and some more work done and I am terrified. I am afraid that next time I won't be so lucky and the damage will be worse or more permanent. Anyways thanks for letting me read about others who have had trouble and vent my issues as well.

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    8. Sounds just like my symptoms - pain in ear, achey teeth, etc.! I'm told I have had extra damage from being so tense/anxious at dental visit; much like this last poster. Apparently your muscles can go into spasm when you are "opening wide" for the injection and that spasm can caused inflammation that sparks the nerve and lasts....well, so far 18 months and counting...

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    9. BTW, I've also been told, if it helps you to relax, have a drink or take something like a Valium before dental visits. Apparently tension and the wide open jaw + injections near nerves and muscles are a dangerous mix.

      I don't know anything about the chemical properties of mixing alcohol or relaxation drugs with novocaine and/or gas given at the dentist office, though. That'd be a good question when scheduling the appointment.

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    10. Hi Jane and other new friends,
      Thank you for this blog. The research you've done and your words in general are very helpful. Its been a year and a half for me. Started right after a dental procedure (removed old filling and added a crown). I've seen many doctors and have narrowed it down to burning mouth syndrome and/or lingual verve damage. Regarding nerve damage, one neurologist said it might heal and should give it another year. Another said if it hasn't healed by now, it won't. My symptoms include sore sensitive tongue near the procedure - bottom right, and a throbbing in the tooth that was woked on. I've had a root canal done on the tooth and the crown replaced, but it still hurt. Everytime to decide to have the tooth pulled, oral surgeons and dentists discourage me. They show me the xray and say the tooth is stable. Regarding the tongue. Everyone who has ever looked at it can't find anything visually wrong with it. It feels to me like it is rubbing against very sharp teeth all the time... Over the year and a half, I have had periods with no symptoms that I can't explain. But, it always comes back, and in addition to the pain, I get depressed and anxious thinking about how my life has changed for the worse and possibly forever. Anybody out there have similar symptoms and can give advice. Yes, I will definetly pay it forward.
      Sincerly
      Ed

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    11. Ed, welcome and thanks for your post. This sounds so familiar to me, and I'm sure to others on this blog, as well. As you read through, you'll find some advice from those on the front lines. It's hard, but try not to let this injury take over your life, and know that things could always be worse. It would be great if you could identify what changed during our periods of "remission"...I'd be interested to know was relief for one day, a week, an hour?. Do you know what sets it off again?

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    12. Hi Jane,
      I have a very difficult time determining cause and effect. I have begun a diary in hopes of putting a finger on what causes the pain to start and stop. One of my theories is that anxiety brings it on and when anxiety subsides, it stops - but not immediately and not all the time. In addition to trying to find meds that work but don't leave me lethargic, I'm working on relaxation, breathing, etc. I've also noticed that my jaw is where I tend to feel stress (which I understand is not uncommon) so I am interested in massage tehniques and jaw exercises. I have seen some related entries on your blogg and am looking forward to reading more. BTW, I had a great day today and I'm convinced it was because I found your blogg.
      Peace

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    13. Hi Jane,
      Its been a while. I read your entire blog, all comments and info on your links. This info taught me to find a good orofacial pain specialist, who along with my oral surgeon, put me on 10mg of Doxeoin (taken before bed)and 1200 mg of neurontin (4x300mg) daily. I also removed the temporary crown from the tooth that bothered me to reduce pressure on the nerves. Result - I've been alomost symptom free for a solid week. I say almost because I have minor discomfort only occasionally that I can quickly ignore. The OPS wants to see me regularly - he admits it can be a trial and error process, but seems to have come very close in one visit. I hope this info helps somebody.
      Peace
      Ed

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    14. Jane,
      Correction to my last post - I mispelled "doxepin" - sorry.
      Ed

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    15. thanks so much for posting this information- it's been both helpful and hopeful.

      i just had four impacted wisdom teeth out a week ago that were very close to the nerve, and i am still totally numb in my lip, tongue, and chin. i also have that vice-like pain in my lower teeth. my oral surgeon says to just give it time, but i wanted to be more proactive than that. he agreed to start me on prednesone, and thanks to this site, i'll also start taking b and c vitamins. is there anything else i should be doing this early on? thank you so much for providing a place of hope such as this...knowledge truly is power!

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    16. Hi, I too suffer from the same problem. I had been to the dentist to have a filling on one of my innermost molars and a day later the burning began. The whole inside of my mouth and lips burned like nothing else! At first I thought it might be an allergy to the new toothpaste I had recently started to use or maybe even to the filling material itself. I went back to the dentist and he told me to make a homemade mouthwash and see if that helped. It did not. I went to my family doctor and she thought it was thrush and treated me for that, no change there either. So she tried me on some nerve meds which only made me feel worse. After all that I just started googling and finally found out what the real problem was. Going into my third year now since that miserable day the burning remains. Some days are worse than others but all you can do is cope. I guess I have become used to it, it's the new norm for me now so it is just as well you try and forget it!! It doesn't affect my sense of taste and my mouth is completely normal in appearance on the inside but the way I see it is quite different, however, I don't suffer from headaches, face pain or anything else, just this annoying burning that doesn't go away. Am I bitter, somewhat, but I have more important things to worry about!

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    17. I hope this is the right place to post. 1 week and 2 days ago I had 3 shots of dental anesthesia with septocaine in the morning. My tongue immediately went numb with the first shot - and felt strange. 12 hours later that side of my tongue was still numb and I knew something was wrong. I did research of the weekend and figured out I had likely suffered lingual nerve damage. I called my dentist on Monday, he put me on 6 days of steroids and had me come in Tuesday morning. He checked to make sure there was no infection or anything else obviously wrong, and confirmed lingual nerve damage.
      By Tuesday evening my tongue had transferred from numb to a burning mouth syndrome type situation. By 4pm each day my tongue would burn on that side. Keeping it moist and chewing gum helped some. Then I discovered that capsaicin selectively binds with neurons that transmit pain and heat, and deplete their ability to signal pain. I've been putting louisiana hot sauce on the parts of my tongue that burn about five times or so a day - any time it starts to hurt or feel dry. This has drastically reduced my pain throughout the day. Now I have to wait for the healing...

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    18. Hello all I have just had this happen to me a couple of weeks ago and just happen to have a business using Facebook and Twitter. I have just created a brand new page for all that suffer from this. please go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/260466177345212/ and start sharing on facebook. right now it is closed to only the people in the group. But I figured that this happen for some reason and I would like to see if we can find everyone that suffers from this and get everyone on to one page. I would also like to do some more research on Septicane which is what I am hearing causes at least one of these a year. Please help me to let the public know that this is going on and let's get this started.

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      1. Thanks - I sent a friend request to join your FB group. Jane Fisher, Dental Disasters, http://www.facebook.com/jane.fisher.96742

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      2. I have the same problem with my tongue. It is part numb and part burning. I had two wisdom teeth removed a month ago. Did the hot suace help? Did it cause any problems?

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    19. Hey guys,I too suffer ian nerve damage bilateral and lingual nerve on right side.Found this place in Cali who has mri that shows nerves.Mine was found where they inject the nerve block.I have been suffering for a year now and just keeps getting worse.Still seeing specialists but cant find cure.But Im glad I found out what caused this horrible pain and life changing delema.Its been since Sept.2011 last post, anybody out there.

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    20. Two things have helped me manage my condition. Its still there but now very much in the background. I was taking 10mg Doxepin every evening for 4 months and now I take it only when needed. It was prescribed by an orafacial pain specialist at UofPenn. The other thing I use is a soft mouth guard (lower teeth) which I pop in when my tongue or teeth start to bother me.
      I hope this helps someone.
      Peace

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    21. I GOT MY BOTTOM WISDOM TEETH PULLED, THE ORAL SURGEON COULD ONLY DO ONE SIDE BECAUSE I WAS BLEEDING TO MUCH, WELL WE CAME TO FIND OUT HE HIT A NERVE SO NOW IM STILL NUMB, AND ITS BEEN 5 WEEKS AND NO FEELING BACK BUT IM ALWAYS FEELING SO MUCH PRESSURE AND TINGLING. I CANT HANDLE TO MUCH MORE OF THIS.

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    22. I am now a member of this club. Unfortunately. I was seeing a new dentist who was treating my back molar for a root canal and crown. On the third visit when he was preparing the tooth for the crown, he injected me with Novocaine and I felt a stinging on the tip of my tongue, it was unusual and I knew something was not right, just did not know what was to come. The numbness lingered for an entire two weeks after which the feeling turned to burning, pain and dryness on the right side of my mouth and throat. Also my lower lip has had sharp pains and also feels as if it's been injected with something. I go back to the dentist tomorrow for the final crown placement and I will be telling this dentist what I know is true. I'm sure he could tell by my wincing at the injection, but I am going to dispute the 2,200. payment for the crown and root canal. Why should I have to live with this condition for perhaps the rest of my life and pay for it too? Also, I am seeking a lawyer and was told it is too soon to file, I guess they want to see if it dissipates over time at all. I am a professional singer and I had a gig last week, my throat was dry and it was very uncomfortable singing only after 35 minutes. This is not good and I am praying it heals. Are there any postings about complete recovery for this condition? I have yet to find them.

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      1. Sorry I talked to a laywer myself when I had it but there is no recourse as it is an 'inherent risk'. They asked would I have had my wisdom teeth out without freezing...well no. So it is an expected and accepted risk I was told. Maybe different in your jurisdiction

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    23. An update 2 years later - after reviewing this post today, I am surprised to see that I wrote that the chances of this injury are 1 in 100...since then, I've had at least 4 dental practitioners look me straight in the eye with surprise, and say this is 1 in a million.

      Each one (dentists, endodontists) seemed puzzled that something like this could ever happen. I find it hard to believe that they really don't know how common it is, and one of my followers is convinced it's a massive coverup by the dental profession. His conspiracy theory could be right. We continue to get new blog followers (and FB friends) weekly that seem to indicate this is way too common for everyone to feign shock at the idea.

      Kristin- I have not found any stories of complete recovery, either, though have heard several of major improvement.

      *Everyone - if you don't have to post as Anonymous, it would really help us track how many participants we have here. If you don't feel comfortable revealing your identity, use a pseudonym or something...that way, I can at least address you in my response to your question.
      Thanks! Jane

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    24. The dentist that injected novocaine into my mouth yesterday said that it hits nerves about 2 in 10 times he injects. It was quite painful (tongue got electric shocks two times out of the 3 or 4 injections) and was extremely sensitive yesterday. Healing well today already--so far I've been really lucky from what I've read here.

      What disturbed me is that, although I'm 66 yrs. old, and have had many, many novacaine injections--I have never had anything similiar to this from any other dentist.

      I called the office of the dentist I had for over 20 years, and was told by a highly-reliable person who has worked with him for 11 years that this has only happened ONCE in all of that time.

      This is an incredible range to me--I think I need to find a new dentist if the other new one is so unskilled in injecting--the other one is out of my range of returning to as a patient based on insurance, over all costs, and location.

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      1. To 66-yr old anonymous poster of 6/21/12, I'm amazed the dentist said he hits nerves 20% of the time! Yet the other one said it's happened once in 11 years?
        Can you share more info from these guys? I've found most dentists won't admit to ever hitting nerves, though doctors have told me it is a risk of any injection at any time (not just dental ones).

        I'd love to interview them by phone if anyone has a dentist who'll do it (anonymously if desired) ...I'm thinking of writing a book, if I could find someone to partner with me on it and enough people willing to talk about their injuries. Anyone?

        Best, Jane

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      2. Again it is not that the dentist is unskilled. THey need to be within 3-5mm of the nerve to get you numb. Thus he was very very accurate and caused the problem. Mine went away. Again it is not fair to say they are unskilled as mine was a world renowned oral surgeon and was told I was going to the best of the best. At the end of the day 'sh*t' happens and I had to live iwth it

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    25. I didn't want to sign in as "anonymous" but couldn't figure out another way to do it.

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      Replies
      1. I'm not very good for tech support, but if you Google "Posting on Blogspot.com, anonymous" or similar phrase, a lot of people out there have advice.

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    26. I went to my dentist Friday July 13th 2012. he was working on 2 other people and was frazzled. The guy next to me, a 80 year old man would not keep his mouth open. when the dentist came over to me he was very stressed out. He gave me 4 injections (2 of them were Shocking jolts) I winced and said that hurt worse than anything i have ever felt. I spent 3 1/2 in the chair that afternoon getting temp crowns on the upper left side. The next night i started experiencing numbness and pain ( lower lip and teeth on the lower right side??? Sunday it got worse. I called my dentist on monday but he was out of the office. I then called the emergency number and told him about the numbness/ pain and swelling of my jaw. He said i probably just have an infection and would call in a prescription. I went to the pharmacy at 3:30 and they said he never called it in. They called 3x times and i called 3x times. He never got back to me or them. I sat there for 3 1/2 in pain waiting. Do you think he knew that it wasn't an infection and that he had caused this. I am stopping by there as soon as his office opens in the AM.

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    27. Hi, so I have been having chronic pain since I had a simple cavity filled. I believe it was the novicane, as I can still recall the moment when the needle went in. It hurt so much. And during the procedure, the dentist had to stop because I was in such pain. He again administered more novacane. But it didn't really help all that much.

      That was in 2009. Six months later that tooth became a root canal. I have visted 3 dentists, 1 ENT, and my primary a number ot times to try and figure out what is going on. They all say it was or wasn't dental. and I'm sick of being josteled around being referred to this doctor, to this doctor, to this person...

      It is now 2012, and I still have sporadic pain, sensitive teeth (even to cold wind when I am skiing or something) and chewing cold foods. I also have pain for no reason too. And as of this past week, I have a new pain that is almost constant in the back of my jaw near my cheek bone, where the novacane had been first administered. That's what's even weirder!

      Anyway, I finally decided - crazy enough - to do research online, and everything I am finding leads to the same result. That I am right too.
      I have a dental appointment tomorrow, and I hope to approach my dentist with some of the information that I have learned.

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      1. Cara, Thanks for your post. I'm anxious to hear back on how your dental appointment went this week.
        I have that same sensitive teeth thing and cold wind (esp skiing) is the worst! Pain in the jaw/neck/ear area is also felt, and I find it worse some days than others. For me, triggers seem to be 1. cold, 2. stress, and 3. caffeine, which stimulates the nerves.

        xoxo Jane

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    28. Here's my story, I think I finally know what happened to me (thanks for this site)...I've been spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on doctor visits for over 4 years with no real answers. While my pain is minimal compared to many, something triggers on the left side of my face, lower back jaw area, sometimes several times a month, sometimes can go a few months without any symptoms, and that side of my face swells up like a huge balloon, slight tongue swelling and pain, along with it. I've typed in "face swelling causes" in google searches and this time went on to read most of the night (just couldn't keep on without some kind of answer). I thought back to a root canal over four years ago. I remember the most painful novacain shot ever, sent me through the roof. It took several weeks for the swelling and pain to subside. A few months after that is when my episodes began with the symptoms. Until I found these posts, I have not put the dentist visit with painful shot along with the symptoms. The frustration has been overwhelming, putting a strain on every aspect of my life, almost changing my happy-go-lucky personality. The three local doctors I've visited over these years have tested me for heart problems, allergies, sinus problems, but never asked about dental procedures, I even asked for a referal to a neurologist, but never got it. While I do not like having these reoccuring episodes, just knowing there's a possible answer gives me some comfort. So many questions still, though...does anyone else have the extreme swelling? Are the reoccuring episodes common with nerve damage? Can I control the "triggers"? (I'm going to start noting when it happens, the circumstances before). Thanks!!!!!!

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    29. Hello to anonymous poster of July 22nd suffering 4+ years- I'm glad this site finally helped you! I got the same runaround you have; this injury isn't something standard in a medical textbook so Drs have no clue.

      You might try looking up orofacial pain specialist in your area. I did have one neurologist understand my condition, he prescribed Cymbalta, which helped until I had to stop due to side effects like blurry vision and fatigue. Neuro said surgery isn't an option, and I could travel 7 hours away to a hospital in Florida where they are studying this, but they would probably just say the same thing.

      Re: swelling, your timing on this comment is excellent; I just went for a cranial facial massage for the first time last week, and the therapist told me my left side is very inflamed. I had no idea. She suggested coming in more regularly for massage therapy. Trouble is, at $75 a pop, that's not easy. But I will try a few sessions and post on the blog to let you all know if it helps.

      Good idea to start noting your triggers. Read through this blog for more on what to avoid. There is no cure, but there are ways to cope until we find one.
      Take care, and keep posting! xoxo Jane

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      Replies
      1. Try moist hot pack to area (such as washcloth) and 800 mg of ibuprofen for inflammation.

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    30. I had my left top and bottom wisdom teeth pulled in January, Since then I have been dealing with numbness on left side of my mouth and tongue. Burning, and pain. I cant chew on that side of my mouth and my sense of taste has been severely affected. They told me 6 month is what it should take,and when it didn't happen to get any better, I asked to see a specialist and then they started to tell me 9 months to a year. I just don't think they care or they can't even have a clue of what I go through on a daily basis!

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    31. I was at the dentist yesterday to repair two cracks in two lower left molars. He also removed older fillings and refilled both teeth. He injected my mouth in the far back between the upper and lower jaw. Immediately, my tongue went numb. I told both the dentist and dental hygenist, but received no reaction from them. Last night when my tongue, floor of mouth and left gum were still numb, I started researching online. I too believe I have suffered lingual nerve damage. I contacted my dentist at 8 am this morning. His partner was in, but did not speak with me directly. His partner told me through a staff member that there was nothing he could do for me physically. I asked about steroids. The staff member asked the partner who said that he could send me to an oral surgeon. Ultimately, the oral surgeon denied seeing me today as they would prefer to see me in several days if the numbness does not subside. The oral surgeon had the dentist prescribe the steroid pack. I have not started it yet. I have experienced no change in numbness since the procedure was done yesterday at 10:30 am. I am concerned that I will be consumed by this for life! Thank you to all for sharing your stories, but I am disheartened reading them as I see no evidence of significant recovery.

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    32. Hi Fellow Lingual Nerve injury recipients. My damage started on 07/31/12 after a dental injection for a crown prep. I felt pain and instant numbing run through my tongue to the tip. I had complete numbness for the first two weeks and it has subsided. I seem to be left with only burning tongue, reduced taste and feeling of hot or cold on a quarter size section of my tongue. The worst symptom is a pulling sensation the runs completely under my tongue. I cannot move my tongue around with out this annoyance. Anyone have this symptom and have it heal?

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      1. Your symptoms are similar to mine. I had two wisdom teeth pulled a month ago and am left with a burning tongue, reduced taste, partially numb and the pulling feeling underneath the tongue. How are you doing now?

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    33. 2 1/2 weeks ago i went in for a simple filling on my lower right side.
      when the dentist put in the needle i felt a jolt, up the right side of my face, and she didnt take the hint to back the needle off.
      when the freezing came out i too had the same symptoms and most of the other posts i read, the right half of my tongue feels burnt, and has that pins and needles feeling, my jaw is swollen, hard to open, all my teeth hurt, i get shots of pain all the way up my face, i can't taste anything on my right half, i get ear aches, everything tastes like metal, my speech is affected.
      i can't eat or sleep properly.
      i have gone back to my dentist 3 times since then , and they say i have to wait it out, and there is nothing she can do???
      is there anything i can do to make this go away???
      i am worried that i may have to live with this for a while, or maybe forever??
      Can i take legal action???
      I live in Canada not sure what legal action if any to take.
      please anyone with answers please help!!!!!!

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      Replies
      1. I am in Canada. You can't take legal action as it is an 'inherent risk' of any injection. They will ask would you have had the work done without freezing. Well the answer for all of us is generally no. Therefore you are 'consenting'

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    34. Hi guys, Two answers for recent posters:

      1. Yes, I remember the pulling sensation, as well as weird feeling like a constant poking inside of my cheek, but there was nothing there, just the nerve firing pain signals. It did subside in time, but other pain like the teeth throbbing, ear, tongue, head, and throat pain, still linger.

      2. Sheldon- It is so frustrating that our doctors say there's nothing you can do. Same story here. Your injury is still new; my advice is to seek out an orofacial pain specialist and ask for steroids. Had I known how helpful they could be within the first few weeks, I would have had a much better chance at recovery.

      Re: legal action, I spoke to 6 lawyers and they all turned it down, saying it's a "risk of any injection". I pointed out that I take a risk every time I cross the street, but if a car hits me, he has liability; how is this any different? And, this was not "informed consent", I did not sign a waiver informing me of any risk - I just went to get a filling. Still, no lawyer was willing to take it on.

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    35. I had 2 lower wisdom teeth removed 10 months ago under general anaesthesia because they were so deeply impacted and had formed cysts within the bone. Apparently it was a "very difficult operation" taking over 1 hour.
      I recovered from the very unpleasant immediate after effects within a few weeks but since then I have had burning sensations and discomfort and altered sensation on my cheek and lip.The symptoms vary and sometimes it feels as if a knife is sticking in. At other times the discomfort eases especially at night (thank goodness). It is always made considerably worse by talking.

      My surgeon informed me that it was all due to bone remodelling and restructuring and that eventually it would disappear and that I would have to be patient. Apparently this can be worse the older you are- I am nearly 70.

      These symptoms seem to relate to what other people have said in this blog.

      The only thing which improves it slightly is chewing gum- perhaps this is distraction therapy!

      I actually got very depressed about it a couple of months ago and have been started on anti depressants and although I feel better in myself it has not helped the discomfort.

      It is good to know that I am not the only one in the world who is experiencing this. Lets hope we all improve over time.

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      Replies
      1. Hi,
        I am replying to you because your symptoms are very similar to mine. I received the injections for a deep cleaning though and that put an end to my happy life and had me have a depressing life ever since. Anyway it was 10 months ago. The thing you said about chewing gum I actually discovered that a few months ago by accident and it's true. Could you please tell me how you are feeling now? My neurologist ordered an MRI which showed nothing and I did not think it would. Anyone has any explanation why it gets worse by talking?

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    36. I was given a shot of septicaine yesterday on the upper right jaw for dental work. It is 16 hours later and there is still some numbness from my right nostril right eye up over my right forehead and down behind right ear all the way down my neck and the area under my right jaw. This seems an awful long time for the numbness to last. Any thoughts from anyone?

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    37. Thank you for this site. It has been 15days since a back left bottom molar was pulled with some difficulty. Drilling, yanking etc.I had 2 injections from the Hygenist. She was very gentle but I swear I did not get numb where they wanted me numb. Then the dentist gave me 2 more and waited. Still felt the pull on my tooth. Then 2 more again to numb the tooth that was to be pulled because I still felt him yanking on my tooth.He said he was at my max. I felt pain on those injections but I have felt that before with other procedures. We all wanted to get on with it and thus I put up with the rest of the procedure. I took the remaining pain with a good strong attitude as I am a woman and single mom and work in a hospital therefore I know the scale of pain lol. I had a bone graft put in and stitches. I was in a lot of pain seriously at the time the stitches were pulled out a week later but I must not of expressed myself enough!! The dentist said you dont get a dry socket from a bone graft. And if it was infected I would be in alot worse pain. I was thinking that maybe I was not in enough pain? wow the infection must really hurt! I had taken the course of antibiotics he prescribed earlier so I was not worried about an infection. 15 days later I am telling my family about my pain and researching on line and found this site. Thank you! I dont feel alone now or mystified. My symptoms are the pain in the left tongue that feels like it is scraped or burning. My upper left teeth ache. My left side of my face and especially cheek area and temple feels like I got punched!!.I get sharp throbbing periodically in my left temple. I have to touch my left side of my lip and chin and face alot as it feels prickly and touching it fends it off briefly. I feel relief this whole time with a couple of Ibuprofen every 3 to 4 hours. My tooth area is not that painful any more but it is very swollen and gives off an ache once in awhile. A weird taste back there also.It looks gross healing around the hole and that bone graft area. I will talk to my dentist after the holiday and hear his opinion. I will be prepared now because of this site and not feel intimidated like I am some sort of head case. I am anxious at the dentist and they know it and now I will not cower to an attitude towards me like I am a high anxiety problem female. I will find out exactly what they injected into me to help the cause! I may ask for the gas next time to reduce my anxiety before any injections. Future root canal coming up in 1 month. I will continue my care there if he has the right attitude towards this. Again, thankyou so much everyone

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      1. This sounds like deja vu! So scarily familiar. I'm glad you found this site and hope you read all the way through to get some advice that may help you as you slowly recover. It takes a lot of time for some of us.

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    38. I have been reading many comments about similiar experiences with a dentist.
      On 4-10-06 I went to a dentist that I have gone to for over 20 years to have a cap put on a tooth on the right side of my mouth.
      The first thing they did was to take digital exrays which were very painful. This is the first time I had exrays taken like this.
      A few days later I noticed a swelling under my right eye and immediately went to a ear,nose,throat specialist. He had me go and get a c-t scan as they thought it might be my sinus. This turned out ok and since that time my right side of my face I cannot smile or lift my lip on that side and now I notice that the roof of my mouth is numb. This is only on the right side even in my mouth.
      I have had 4 mri's and 2 ct scans and even a spinal tap to see if there was infection somewhere. This all turned out ok. I have been to a neuroligist several times for a mri but nothing has shown up. They thought it might have been a small stroke but nothing shows up on the mri's. I have been to several doctors but they don't find anything.
      I bite my top lip often as that is sagging. My eating is not easy now and don't think a stroke would contine if it were one.
      Of course Bells palsy was thought of at first and I have taken super B12 vitamin but that has not helped anything.

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    39. Hi Ruth and Happy Holidays to all,
      I don't know if your mystery illness is nerve damage, but the fact that you can trace it back to the precise date of your dental appointment says something happened there. Like, you, I have that fateful day embedded in my brain (yet I can't remember what I wore yesterday LOL)

      I too find those cardboard bitewing things SO uncomfortable, I tear up during x-rays. I always ask them to give me the child size, and they think I'm being funny. I've also had numerous MRI's and CT scans but found nothing. I'm told there is a better test for finding nerve damage, but asked my doctor for it and he said no, and I'm told insurance probably won't cover it anyway. The name is something like thin slice MRI...it's mentioned by @Kritty I think, in these blog pages somewhere under a different heading.
      xoxo Jane

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    40. Hi, my name is Shellie. Yesterday I went to the dentist o have a broken tooth repaired (lower back on the left). I had 3 of the most painful shots I have ever had in my life. I was literally shaking. My whole body was shaking like I was REALLY cold. One of the shots in particular caused electrical type shocks in my lower lip on the left side. When he started to repair it, the cold air from the assistant was really hurting me and he gave me another extremly painful shot. It didn't help either and I told the dr I wouls just put up with the pain because it hurt less than the shot. I felt like a baby. When I got up to leave, I left very dizzy and sick. I was signing some paperwork when I noticed my left eye was feeling dry and I tried to blink and my eye would not close. I barely made it to my van I was so sick, dizzy and disoriented. I called my husband to come pick me up. When I got home, the whole left side of my face was paraylzed, I couldn't hear out of my left ear or breathe out of the left side of my nose. I have never been so scared in my life. I called the dentist office back and told them what was going on and they said that it would get better when the anasthesia wore off. After several hours, I did get my facial movement back and could breathe and hear again, but am left with a very nasty pain in my eyeball and my eyelid isn't working quite right and I don't think my tear duct is working like it should as my eye feels dry. It just happened yesterday and maybe it needs more time, but it is really scarey. I had my husband take pictures when my face was paralyzed. They are very disturbing.

      ReplyDelete
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      1. Shellie,
        That is scary. It sounds a little like Bells Palsy which I've been told can happen with injections in the facial area (even Botox and Restylane cosmetic injections). Have you seen a doctor? Smart to have your hubby take pics.

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    41. I went to the dentist at the end of November and got three feelings done since then I have had severe pain on the right side of my face I’ve have been back and forth to the dentist and the doctor for the pain I have been put on Norco antibiotic twice, an ear drop for the pain in my ear, Naproxen, and now I am on carbamazepine and norco I’m up late at night crying most of the day the best way to describe my pain is shocks through the right side of my face or somebody sticking a long knife through my ear and having it come out my chin. My shoulder and chest also hurts I need this to get better ASAP. And to top that off I am still paying for the horrible work they have done.

      ReplyDelete
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      1. If you are feeling sporadic electric shocks, it sounds a bit like TN (Trigeminal Neuralgia). Have you been tested for that? I was tested at Cleveland Clinic with some kind of electrodes on my face - can't remember the name of the procedure; they determined that's not what I had but still had no clue what was wrong with me. I hope you don't have TN but if you do, there are surgical options.

        Even if they rule out TN, sounds like you have neurological damage; have you seen a neurologist and orofacial pain specialist? It is so hard to find the right doctors... I have seen 15!

        My heart goes out to you as I know the nightmare. Keep in touch and let us know how you are coping. Also check out our FB page and send a friend request. xoxo jane

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    42. Hi, I had a novacaine injection 5 weeks ago and during the third injection the left side of my face, neck,chest and upper arm went numb. The dentist did admit that the lingual nerve must have been hit. I was put on steroids for a week and a mouthwash called magic mouth which is a mixture of benadryl, lanacaine and malox to numb the mouth. Have not gotten any better. My primary sent me to a neurologist and had an MRI done not revealing any masses. I am in constant pain on my left side (neck, ear, upper arm, face,temple and my tongue in constantly getting in the way of my molars almost as if my tongue is swollen). I don't know where else to turn. Any suggestions?

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      1. It's ridiculous that dentists are still prescribing magic mouthwash for this! The fact that this website has over 29,000 page views shows how prevalent this injury is. It is hard to imagine that dentists really don't have a clue.

        My only suggestion is to read through this blog and follow everyone's stories and advice, hopefully you will recover quickly but if not, do what you have to do to find the right doctors and treatments. Keep in touch.

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    43. I had an injection in my left cheek, to freeze for prep-work for two crowns on November the 16th. The injection was excruciating! (and I was on Ativan for the procedure as well)
      Once the freezing cam out, I was in pain, but expected to be. The pain in the injection spot continued to worsen. I returned to the dentist ten days after they had removed my old fillings, and was still waiting for the permanent crowns. I was in a lot of pain, and they took ex-rays, and thought maybe the tooth could be dead or on its way. The ex-rays were fine, and sent me on my way, the following week I was back to have the permanent crowns put in. The pain worsened, for a couple of weeks, which I kind of expected it would. Now, here we are two months after the initial needle, I still have major pain at the injection spot, and there is an obvious lump there as well. The dentist cannot find a problem with the tooth or teeth, or crowns, and I guess they think this is all in my head. And it is!!! I don't know how much longer I can take this pain. And the dentist either does not believe me, or is not willing to accept the fact that he has done something to aggravate this.
      I think he has hit a nerve, but, will the pain ever go away??????

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      1. Hi Marnie,
        I had the same experience, my dentist refused to admit he'd done anything, he told me things like I had allergies! Really?! Have you seen any other dentists or doctors? I have seen a total of 15 different practitioners over 4 years. Find a good neurologist and orofacial pain doc. Keep us posted.

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    44. In April I started having dental work and since I have had all of the above problems that you all have. I have tried to end my life! It didn't work, God wouldn't let me go, Why? This pain and loneliness is unbearable. People think your making it up because I've seen so many Dr's ans they can't figure it out. I finally found this site and am printing it out and bringing it to Mayo Clinic In Rochester on Jan. 24th. Hopefully...I will get the help I need there. Thank you all, I am not alone now.

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      1. I am so sorry for your pain and SO happy this site has helped you. Please know that if you hang in there, things will improve. Painkillers may help with the worst moments to keep your sanity. I was like you, I didn't want to go on, it was unbearable...and nobody understands! Especially because you can't SEE anything with this injury, and so few have heard of it. I am hoping it gets some exposure on an investigative TV program - suggestion has been made to contact Dateline or 60 minutes or Dr. Oz. If I knew anything about media, I would do it; hoping someone who does know media will.

        You are not alone! Once you read through this site, you can also join on the facebook page to post more easily and see others' stories. xoxo Jane

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    45. I too have lingual nerve damage from having 4 wisdom teeth extracted on November 6 2011. I also experience jaw trauma. I have had botox injections in my jaws 3 times the last 10 months. I have a new companion......"PAIN"......It's always with me. This has been a very long road to travel. Conversation is difficult.....eating is difficult........sleeping.........exercise......I have been fortunate that the Oral Surgeon has taken responsibility for this dreadful injury. I know he didn't injure me on purpose for whatever reasons it's now my journey in life. Nobody understands what we are living with.....family Doctors......Neurologists.......there is almost no information available. I asked my Oral Surgeon for literature to help me understand what I wasdealing with and he had nothing or didn't want me to know early on that this could be a very long recovery..if any.......which I feel like I have made little progress in the last 13 months. I have not been able to work. I wake up at 6am and at 1pm I am physically and emotionally exhausted. I have given so much of my life to trying to heal myself........I meditate....see a councillor.....exercise.....try to be social but honestly being social is the most difficult because it involves talking , eating and drinking. So it's tiring to talk.......can't taste a lot of food and alcohol tastes like vinegar. Some days are better than others but I refuse to give up! I am constantly looking online for information on the nerves and treatments but haven't found anything. I take diazapam regularly and some pain meds when things are really bad. Every so often I go off the meds to give my liver and kidneys time rest from processing the medication. In the beginning I was on gabapentin......an anti seizure drug.......tramadol.....a pain reliever and diazapham.........the drugs were hard on my body, mind and balance. Then tried Novotriptolin......an antidepressant drug which had horrible side effects........decided to manage my drugs down to diazapam.......it helps with relaxation and anxiety.

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      1. Wow I must applaud your efforts in getting better. I truly hope we all do. It's only been about 3 weeks since my incident but it seems as though the pain is getting worse especially when I try to sleep and relax.. I can't believe there isn't more information about this out there. These dentist need to be held accountable. I hope you find relief some way but don't give up find the happy things in life and you'll make it :)

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      2. I am writing to see if you have had any relief at all? It was almost sereal reading about your situation. I felt like I had a twin out there..I had 4 wisdom teeth pulled almost 2 years ago and my life has not been the same. I had dry socket and an infection which I thought was the worst thing but there was much more in store for me. I have had chronic pain since. I went back to the oral surgeon multiple times but nothing was done and he supposively hadn't heard of any one having complications like I did. Over the past few Years I have been to multiple doctors, tmj specialists, neurologists and an endodontist and I walked out feeling the same way as I did going in..Helpless..I now see a pain management doctor which is still not helping. I have constant sharp shooting pain in my jaws and teeth which causes extreme facial pain. Eating, talking, stress and many other things contribute to the pain. I am less social than I used to be and I don't do the things I used to, because I just don't feel like it most of the time. I have been told that it was more than likely caused by nerve damage but my MRI didn't show anything. It's hard because you feel like people don't believe you or that you are constantly complaining but this chronic problem pretty much runs my life. I am always searching for someone who may have found this miracle drug, another solution or some kind of doctor who can help. I have received 8 myobloc injections in my masseter muscles to relieve the pain along with my pain medication but as of now,nothing has helped. I just want to live a few normal days and remember the pain free life I had before this so called minor surgery that has changed my life so dramatically. I am only 26 and yet I feel like a 70 year old woman who is just physically and emotionally drained everyday. Your posting was the closing thing I've come across that made me want to share my story. It seems like the people who have such horrible problems like we all do become much more compassionate for others in pain. I hope your situation has a happy ending one day as I hope mine does. I am just waiting for that day to come..

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    46. As I read you guys comments I realize how lucky I am but still am freaking out I went to the dentist 2 days ago and he hit a nerve and I jumped out of my chair and immediately after he hit the nerve I felt like I had just got electricuted on my whole right side of my face and then I felt this popping feeling in my face and tongue like if the sensation was trying to come back but the dentist went on and I just kept praying please don't let me feel that pain again please god no and then each time he touched the tooth that he was working on it hurt like a mofo and now I don't feel any pain at all but my mouth every time I open it gets a shock in it but only on my right side of my face is it normal to have this feeling I don't have any pain like I said I feel lucky having read alot of you guys story but I am just wondering will this feeling go away?

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      1. I'm not familiar with feeling shocks but no pain, this is an interesting twist. Do you feel numb, like the novocaine didn't wear off? Or completely fine except when you open wide (that could be a strain from being open wide for a long time, or if popping, even TMJ... but I'm not a physician so don't know). Please keep us posted.

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    47. Jane,where do I find the FB page?

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      1. https://www.facebook.com/groups/260466177345212/?ref=ts&fref=ts. Or try searching dental lingual nerve damage, or dental disasters; both groups are connected. You just need to send a friend request to be added to the group.

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    48. I had my wisdom teeth (all 4) removed 3 weeks ago. First I developed a dry socket in the lower right one which the surgeon had a horrible time getting out. I actually woke up during the procedure because the pain was so horrible. So after excruciating pain I thought I was better. Until I got a different sort of horrible pain. Now my lower teeth get shooting pains, I have pain in my right ear, I can't open my mouth all the way, I have pain in my right side of my throat, and my right side of my sinus hurts. My surgeon lives out of my city and only comes once a month. I was getting treated at the clinic he works out of. Then I went to my own dentist for a second opinion. She said the dry socket came back and was infected so she treated it again. But after 2 days she said I should be feeling no pain because she says it looks much better now. She says I probably have nerve damage. I will go see the surgeon soon for a second opinion. I hope this doesn't last long. I can't take the pain anymore.

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      1. My understanding is that dry sockets while painful are not that uncommon with wisdom teeth removal, and if addressed and treated promptly, should heal fine. However, nerve damage is a whole 'nother animal. You're actually lucky your dentist suggested nerve damage; most won't even "go there" and raise the subject. Let us know what the second opinion surgeon says and, if it is nerve damage, find a good neurologist who understands orofacial pain. They are not easy to find so it may take some research and phone calls. Get something to help with the pain for now til you can get the right physician helping you...Hang in there and keep us posted!

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    49. Recently I suffered damage to my lingual nerve during a routine trip to the dentist. The dentist hit the nerve during the numbing process. The result was excruciating pain that exploded through my eardrum, down through my face and jaw and into my neck. I needed constant pain medication and muscle relaxers just to sit still. The intensity of the pain never changed. Week after week it was a 10 out of 10 and never seemed to improve. After the first month of constant pain, I learned about a therapy called PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic therapy). It had been featured on the Dr. Oz show and one of my local chiropractors had a machine. It took several weeks of treatments but I can honestly say that the pain began to improve soon after I started. I know how helpless I felt when this happened to me and how there didn't seem to be anything I could do to accelerate the healing process. But since PEMF worked for me, I just wanted to share that treatment in case its helpful for someone else.

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      1. Thank you, I looked up PEMF Dr Oz and will investigate further...

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    50. Hire an attorney is my advice if you have and damage due to their mistake

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      1. I spoke with 6 attorneys, all turned it down. While they sympathize, they said it's a risk of any injection.

        My response was yeah, I take a risk when I cross the street, too, but if someone hits me, they're liable for my injury.

        It's alarming that there's nothing to force or even motivate Dr's. to take greater care and precautions, and not respond swiftly when a patient complains of severe pain, denying and saying things like "it's allergies" or "you just have sensitive teeth".

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      2. Just my 2 cents but I would say that calling 6 attorney's is not enough. Call 100 lawyers and see what the consensus is. Call dental and medical specialist and call other more general attorney offices. Call Sole practicioners, small office and large office attorneys. I called 10 attorneys once and they all said "No case" to me over something once. I called a few more and one said "Maybe". We ended up winning the case. It wasn't a medical case, but it all depends on the lawyer's willingness to take your case sometimes and/or their experiences. (one word of caution, if you lose you may be held for court costs and fees. ask attorney about this).

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      3. Please share your case information so can be armed with information when we reach out to lawyers. If there is case precedent, we all stand a better chance of winning. We need to change the tide.

        Just remember, most of us have pain when talking, so calling 100 lawyers is not an option, unless you are lucky enough to have someone do it for you. I asked others for help; I found one sister placed a call for me to a lawyer who couldn't do anything for me and was another dead end.

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    51. hi i stumbled cross this and wondered whether you think my case sounds like it may have resulted from my dentist hitting a nerve... id been experiencing tooth ache for about a month and had various dental appointments it was difficult as i couldnt localise the pain to one tooth after about 5 xrays my dentist found a shadow over one tooth and a week ago i had a routine filling but as my dentist put the injection in to numb my mouth he hit a nerve twice - after the numbness had wore off an hour and hour or so later i was in agony - the most painful thing i have ever experienced pain along 3 or four teeth on my bottom jaw similarly in the top.. pain in my nose sinuses it was honestly awful i nearly went to A&E after going backto my dentist and being put on a cocktail of strog painkillers i was referred to my doctor as my dentist thinks it could be trigeminal neuralgia... im waiting to see a facial pain specialist but seeing as intense pain really kicked in after this latest experience im wondering whether it could be damage to my nerve from the dentist hitting it ... any thoughts? thanks - jen uk

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      1. Jen I hope you are doing better, and I hope it's not TN. A lot of doctors seem to jump to that conclusion because they don't know what else to think. TN feels like painful electrical shocks in the face; lingual nerve injury typically more ongoing pain (not short bursts), achey, maybe throbbing.

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    52. anonymos
      Hi I just found this site. I had work done three weeks ago. I still cannot open my mouth well to eat. I am cutting my food very small. And have a lot of pain when eating. Brushing my teeth on the inside is nearly impossible. I had root canal work done on one tooth a bridge removed and have a temporary bridge. I won't be able to open my mouth to have the work finished. I was on antibiotics for a week. He thought it was a bacterial infection from the needle. Now I am putting ice on my jaw and taking ibuprofen. Could he have hit a nerve?

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    53. Hello...I just happened upon your site. I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia many years ago. I would have episodes a few times a year until July 2011. I went to dentist with a toothache. He took xrays, and said the tooth was fractured, and needed to come out. He was sending me to the oral surgeon, but said he would take the nerve out right then.Note..he was my dentist for over 30 years. He gave me novacaine and from that day since, I have had numbness in my face/cheek. He said it was nothing and wd eventually come back. I was told this by doctors also. Well, recently, I saw the oral surgeon with more complicated problems possibility relating to the neuralgia or this last incident. She told me, it has been almost 2 years, and in her experience, the feeling will not come back, if it hasn't in the past 2 years. The main problem is the Trigeminal Neuralgia was definitely affected by this incident, and I have pain all the time. Before the dentist hit the nerve in 2011, I had the neuralgia once, twice a year brought on by fevers or illness. I don't know what to do, or where I can go. My oral surgeon doesn't want to remove another tooth, and my dentist retired. I have a new dentist but I am so apprehensive to have anything done.I have numbness in the cheek, soft tissue. The pain starts from my head and goes does my eye, in front of ear, jaw, throat,etc. Sometimes, it goes numb on left side of tongue and in throat. It has always been the left side that has been affected by all of this. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...dryan7@verizon.net..Deb

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      1. Deb- So sorry to hear of this, it sounds all too familiar. I don't know what to recommend except a good neurologist and orofacial pain specialist. As far as we know, there is no cure. I've been suffering 4+ years and many much longer. some of us never heal. I hope you find something that gives you pain relief, and continue to share here and on facebook with others who can relate.

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    54. Hi all
      I've been searching for a few days amount lingual nerve damage. I'm about three weeks in now I knew something wasn't right that night after I had work done. I went in for 3 fillings... 2 of which was on my bottom left. The anesthetic took longer than normal to wear off but I never got the feeling in my tongue back to normal. I started my search there and realized it was lingual nerve damage. But I didn't realize how much it would effect... As the days went by the pain is more often. As of now I feel pressure in my jaw like some has punched me. My tongue can be described as paresthesia. And I feel as tho I have a piece of metal in my mouth... I can't taste on the left side, and the tingling of it becomes a burning effect when I eat or drink anything hot. I find myself keeping pressure on my tongue and jaw but then I end up with migraines. I also feel my tongue and jaw throbbing from time to time.

      I have gone to another dentist and he has informed me that one filling wasn't finished right and confirmed that I did have lingual nerve damage. But for insurance reasons he suggested me to go back to the previous doctor to fix the filling. I'm obviously quite wary of going back to the same Dentist that gave me these issues.

      I'm not real sure where I stand legally, I have read that some people are able to win their cases.

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      1. Hi Kari, my research showed some people (very few) win cases but only if it happened during wisdom teeth removal. Your symptoms all sound like dead-on LND, but hopefully you'll be a lucky one who heals in a month or two. I don't know about insurance, but did your original dentist admit his error and understand the implications? Mine acted (and may genuinely have been) totally puzzled...I had to go elsewhere (repeatedly) to find anyone who'd ever heard of it. I would be wary, too.

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    55. 2-9-2013
      I have read your blogs and I have stated my condition as of this date. I still have numbness in the right side of my face and recently the numbness has gone to the upper mouth. I thought I had burned my mouth but no it was numbness. I still can't smile on the right side of my face which is still numb. My previous blog was on 12-25-12. Ruth

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      1. Ruth,
        It sounds like you are not showing any improvement - make sure you go to doctors, not just a dentist (in my experience dentists are useless). I remember I complained I wasn't getting better, but the doc said, so long as you're not getting worse, that's good. In my case, years later I have improved somewhat, but clearly will carry some pain with me for life.

        I continue to hope that someone will take interest in this and find a cure. Keep us posted.

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    56. My research led me here, and I am now wondering if it isn't just the injection, but the pain killers themselves. In my case, I didn't go to the dentist and get an injection. I started having severe tooth pain in a lower right molar on a Saturday evening. The pain was excruciating, I tried Aleve, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol, but nothing was helping and I was afraid I was going to overdose. So then I tried Anbesol and Orajel, but neither of those helped. I then tried putting liquid benzocaine on the tooth, My lower jaw, right side of my lip and tongue went numb, but not my tooth, it just eased it up a bit. That night I woke up unable to breathe and ended up in the emergency room, the entire right side of my face was swolen. They said I had overdosed on benzocaine, since Orajel and Anbesol also contain benzocaine and I had put several eye droppers of benzocaine on my tooth. This causes the blood to not carry enough oxygen and had I continued using it, I would have died. I went home the next day, but the right side of my jaw and tongue and lip were still numb, later that day this intense pain started shooting across my jaw and front teeth and radiated up to my ear. It has been almost a month and there is no change. I called the hospital and they just referred me to a dentist, which I am afraid to see now after reading all of this.

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      1. That is a crazy story, too much Oragel can kill you, really?

        So, the hospital that treated you is saying find someone else to help you - surprise. Did you see a dentist? I would go to a specialist in orofacial pain.

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    57. after a routine check up i was told i had a tooth decay,during the procedure of the local anesthesia i felt these little shocks in my mouth,raised my hand to alert them,i remember it took longer then usual for the procedure after alerting my dentist,he told me afterwards that i would feel some pain for maybe a couple of weeks or three,that i might need a root canal done if the pain persisted...told him i find that weird since i didn't even have pain with the decay,if i hadn't had an xray done i wouldn't have known i had a decay in the first place...it's been a month now and i still have terrible throbbing pain on my right side of my face,up to my ear and headaches all the time,and some pain in the right side of my neck too...never suffered from toothache in my life,i take painkillers for back problems ,and those painkillers don't even help me...i'm seeing my dentist thursday morning,i'm pretty certain that he will suggest a rooth canal job...man i'm am not willing to go through this if what causes all my pain is my nerve damage with that needle...i didn't experience any problem with my tongue,but the pain on my right side of my face,my cheek is also red.thank you for putting up this site,i feel less ignorant and am prepared to face him thursday..... Pete

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      1. Good luck Pete - I had 2 RC's done on the injured side and still have no idea if they were truly necessary. What a mess. And thousand$ of dollars.

        It's impossible to tell when you're in that much pain if it's from the nerve injury or needing root canals. But once the nerve is removed from the root, if you still have pain, you have your answer.

        I have no nerves in two teeth but still have pain every day in them. That's how I know it's coming from a different branch of nerves.

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    58. I came across this site for something completely unrelated, but read these accounts with great sympathy having had severe nerve pain caused by diabetic neuropathy and shingles. I know it isn't the same thing, but it is nerve damage and pain, and I have found some relief by taking neurontin for the nerve pain from the neuropathy, so I am wondering if it might add some measure of relief to any of you, it would be worth a look into. I also take Alpha Lipoic Acid for this.

      Also, for the pain from shingles, which is also horrible nerve pain where pain shoots across a nerve, capsaicin (capsicum made from cayenne or chili pepper)is often used. I noticed the taffy candy recipe for it on another post. Capsicum works by inhibiting subtsance P which carries pain along the nerves. It is also available in pill form over the counter. I have used capsicum capsules with some success for nerve pain, but I prefer the pills as the topical cream burns.

      Also, I have noticed a lot of claims that MMS (sodium choloride) works on some types of never pain. It is mixed with lemon juice to produces chlorine dioxide. That might be worth looking into. I am considering it for my nerve pain.

      Anyway, I am wishing all of you good luck in your search for a cure.

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      1. Hi - I have not heard of this before. Sodium chloride with lemon? I guess we all have to be chemists on the side, too. Let us know if it works.

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    59. Hey all: I am dealing with lingual nerve injury symptoms as well. Just FYI for those that may seek legal help, there ARE lawyers that cover this. Here's one such example: http://www.lingualnerveinjury.com/index.html

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      1. I think these are one of the ones I spoke with - they could not take my case - it's only if you are in California, and I believe also only if as result of wisdom teeth surgery. Let us know if you are successful in your case.

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    60. Hi Jane,

      I've been doing a little research since I had a cap done for a back left-side molar about a month ago. While my dentist was injecting novocain (or other anesthetic - I'm not sure), the tip of my tongue became numb. At the time, I thought he had dripped some novocain on my tongue. The numbness persisted and became more pronounced over the next week and I completed a web form asking how long the numbness would last. My dentist replied in an email that it could last weeks or months, indicating he would explain what happened at my next appointment. At the cap fitting which went well, he didn't bring it up and I didn't as well. The reason I didn't mention it is that my research clearly suggested that the numbness was due to an injury to the lingual nerve. Recovery information for the numbness was consistent with what my dentist had said.

      I did find information about how common damage to the lingual nerve is during routine dental procedures and that there is a well-established technique to keep this from happening in higher risk situations (i.e. when the needle can hit the lingual nerve) - the Gow-Gates Block. I haven't look into this very deeply at this point; I'm continuing my research as long as this numbness persists. Hopefully, it will go away in the next few weeks.

      I hope that things work out well for you and empathize with your situation. My feeling that some sort of recourse should be available for victims of dental practice "accidents" , no matter what the reason may be. It certainly seems that dentists typically don't inform their patients of the risks involved with some procedures. Caveat emptor seems to be watchword for anyone who is getting dental/medical treatment (I have some stories...). Then there's the matter of dentists not keeping current with new techniques that should be promptly learned.

      I plan to update you in a while.

      Best,
      Peter

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      1. Peter, How's it going? I'm interested to hear what you learned in research. Thanks! Jane

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    61. I have been told repeatedly that there is no possible way that the pain I live with everyday could have been caused by a needle stick in the nerve while having dental work. On 9/6/2012, I had a topical cavity filled. It was a rear lower tooth (#20) on the left side. I was given one shot of novocaine, it was not enough. A second shot was administered. I nearly jumped out of the chair, the pain from the shot was so intense. It was like things turned white. Tears rolled down my face, along with a few words I will chose not to repeat. No apologies from the dentist, only told I needed to relax. The work was completed. The left side of my mouth was numb for a full day. The next day, the pain set in. I went to see the dentist and he stated it is common, take up to 3200 mgs of ibuprofen a day and it will clear up. Nine days went by, no sign of relief. That evening my left ear "popped" painfully and I began to have hearing problems. I assumed it was allergies or sinus problems, so I took more ibuprofen and went to bed. Day 10, I woke up and had to crawl to my office. I had vertigo, severe ear and face pain and pronounced hearing loss. I went to my PCP and was diagnosed with a middle ear infection (I have never had one before). To shorten my story, I have been misdiagnosed. Treated for TMJ (15K worth), tube in my ear, been injected with Botox to help relieve my migraines... Nothing. I sit here 6 months later with tinnitus, hearing loss, ear and face pain, debilitating migraines and vertigo. I have no appetite. It hurts to eat and I have lost 40 lbs. I'm trying to tough this "thing" out. The doctors are more worried about my becoming addicted to painkillers, than my being in pain, so I take 500mgs Naproxen, flexeril, and that is all. I can't help but believe it is a direct result of the needle stick in my nerves. I've seen other dentists, a wonderful TMJ/TMD specialist, two ENT doctors and visit weekly with my PCP. I have a neurology appointment in 15 days, but I have been hospitalized for electrolyte imbalances and am very concerned for my general well being. Maybe, through this blog, I can find enough information to help me get my life back.

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      1. Oh, MaryAZ - what a complete nightmare. Please join our FB page and post your story - you will find lots more interaction/group support there - https://www.facebook.com/groups/260466177345212/...but of course, this blog is updated regularly, as well, and details my experience and all the remedies tried with varying success.

        Your story is so familiar and tragic. Please keep me posted - you can vent here and we will always "get it" when others don't! xo Jane

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      2. I've read thru most of these posts and am wondering if anyone has experienced ear trauma (plugged ear, loss of hearing) from a dental injection. This happened to me nine years ago. I had another recent visit with an ENT surgeon, and she told me it was likely permanent damage to my trigeminal nerve caused by excessive pressure from a hematoma. The dentist pierced a vein during a routine molar filling. She said the damage is permanent.

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      3. I am experiencing the loss of hearing, tinnitus and ear pain. On April 30th, I have an MRA and an MRI scheduled as well as a consult with my neurologist to discuss the results of the tests. When I first found this group, I had no knowledge. However, this led to more information and I believe that Trigeminal Neuralgia is a likely candidate if I were to put my symptoms into a category. I hope the damage isn't permanent. The realization that I may never be able to function at the same level as I was accustomed to really is taking a toll on me. I don't know how others manage work, raising families and having any kind of life. I struggle with the ability to pay my bills, drive or care for my children. It bothers me more on some days and today is, unfortunately, one of those days.

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    62. I have joined the FB group. Thank you.

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    63. I'm a doctor, and five weeks ago had a simple upper molar filling, left side, with local anaesthetic, apparently simply local infiltration. Initially the tooth was just very sensitive, and then all the others in upper and lower jaw became sensitive (so I can't eat except holding my head to the right to stop anything getting to the left side of the mouth). Gradually the symptoms are spreading with pain in the soft palate, the lateral border of the tongue, the lower jaw (with numb lips as well on the left - upper and lower), pain extending to the orbit and into the ear - lancinating, excruciating pain which stops me sleeping. I would diagnose it as trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). Never had the symptoms prior to that injection, and the dentist can't believe it was anything to do with it - but the picture has gradually developed and I can't believe it isn't related to the procedure; it would just be too much of a co-incidence. I have a plan, but there is always the question of whether it will get get better - TGN usually doesn't. I don't know why I am writing this; medicine and dentistry sometimes cause side effects and the dentist is a lovely, well meaning guy. But I have been rocking with pain all night...

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      1. I hope you are doing better doctor; please keep up posted as to your diagnosis and progress.

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    64. Jane,
      Do you still update this page? I had posted something yesterday that is not showing. I would like to have your feedback on that.
      Thanks

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    65. Hello Doctor and dentaltalk (not sure if you are one and the same),

      How is it going with your pain - did you have TGN ruled out? From what I know, TGN is shorter bursts of electo-shock type pain that is lacinating, to your point, but shorter in duration than the lasting, all-day pain that accompanies LND.

      Let me know how you're doing once you've had a few days to sort this out, try keeping the pain chart and notes - while some don't like to do this because it makes them focus on the pain more, I found that, over time, it made me feel better to look back historically at how far I'd come.

      I stopped tracking the pain spikes though after the first year. I do try not to focus on the injury too much (as if that's even possible.)

      I bounce back and forth between this site and the Facebook page every few weeks. Both are very useful. However, I am so busy as a full time working single mom, while I absolutely care and read every post and try to respond to every comments, I am already up to my eyeballs in emails from work, school, and various health issues.

      Since you're a doc, you may have a thought about this, but recently I learned that the extremely stressful year I just completed finally pushed me too far - I tipped the hormonal imbalance scale, causing all sorts of unexpected side effects - heart racing, very low blood pressure (80/50), extreme fatigue (like an elephant on my chest), hair falling out, panic attacks, night sweats... I did see a specialist and am hoping through hormones to get my adrenal glands back to their youthful, stress-free selves at some point.

      I had a drama-filled year in 2012 ending in a scary divorce (the kind that's so impossible to believe they usually make them into movies) I've been struggling for months to buy a short sale to make a new home for my kids - it was agony, torture, ridiculousness - but I finally got it, and just moved a few days ago. Which of course led to no internet access and a mountain of household fixes to tackle with no idea how to do so, getting estimates, and now a long line of handymen parading through my home fixing things. All in my luxurious "spare time".

      Meanwhile taxes are due, and my real estate license was about to expire so I had to take a 14 hour course before March 30th - who has an extra 14 hours to spare? Not me!

      So please don't feel neglected - I care about every one who posts on my blog or FB page greatly. I am just stretched really thin right now.

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    66. hello everyone I'm just glad to see that there are others like this. the pain is so bad I don't know what to do and I can't keep coming off of work which is making it even harder. my lip chin tongue are numb and I have a burning sensation on my lip and gums and my teeth hurt all the time at times is very difficult for me to talk at all because I talk it just makes it worse who he is hard because sometimes about my tongue don't realize it.
      I also get migraines all the time anymore since I've had the surgery. I've been very depressed every time I want to talk sometimes its hard for me know when people don't understand me a makes me very aggravated that that I can't say what I wanna say. don't understand that this is something that I have to look hopefully not forever.

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      1. Please explain your surgery. When did you have the surgery. That would help others better if they know what caused it.

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      2. Hi Jane,
        I not a doctor. As I explain 11 months ago I had a deep cleaning. The doctor gave me several shots. He is a very busy doctor with little help in his office and at the time he was giving me the shots I noticed he gave me the shots pretty fast while I know this should have been done very slowly. He gave me many shots but I also noticed he gave me two shots at the same location. My feeling is that the fist shot made me a little numb and the second shot damaged the nerve and I did not feel anyting. Anyway since then I have been struggling with pain/burning sensation on the left side of my tongue and lips and only the people here know what I am going through. It is much worse when I talk and for my job I need to talk a lot. I have stopped working all together.

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      3. To the anonymous poster on April 5th, can you please tell us what kind of surgery you had that helped with your pain? Thx- jane

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    67. This post has now received over 12,000 page views. I hope it has helped a lot of people. Please be sure to read through the blog archive (at right) for fuller details of my journey to "recovery" (I'm not there yet, and may never be fully recovered), as it may contain some helpful information as you deal with this injury.

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    68. I had prep work for two crowns that are next to each other on lower right side. After one shot I could still feel pain, so dentist gave me another shot, he could tell he hit a nerve during the second shot. This was on Wednesday April 17th. Today is Saturday April 20th and my tongue is still numb and burning. Plan to call on Monday to inform my dentist. Not too encouraged by what I see on this blog.

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    69. Several years ago I had crown work done at my dentist. It took many shots to finally get me numb. Once home and after the numbness wore off, I was left with a burning tongue. It took months to go away, but it did get better. I recently needed to have work done on the same tooth as decay was found under the crown. With great fear, I returned to the dentist, had nitrous to try and relax me, and then received several shots. My tongue got numb instantly, as well as a numbing in my throat, but the tooth area would simply not freeze. My dentist said this sometimes happens and suggested I return next week to try again. I am once again suffering with Burning Tongue Syn. The decay remains under my crown, but I cannot imagine going through this again. Is it possible for an oral surgeon to actually put me out to either work on the tooth or pull it if necessary without giving me novacaine? I believe it is the damage done by the injections that has caused this burning to my tongue. I am in a state of mild panic, trying to decide how to address my problem. when this last happened to me, I found that yogourt was soothing. thanks for your site.

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    70. This may not be the most sensitive thing for me to write on this blog but in most cases of dental work the use of dental anesthesia (lidocaine, septocaine etc) is unnecessary. The actual pain of the procedure is rarely as great as one fears and can easily be borne by most people. For me the one exception is a root canal. I had one today and took the injections. Thank goodness no nerve damage. I've had lots of heavy dental work...large molar fillings...crowns etc over the last 15 years and refused anesthesia every time. (I also prefer five minutes of pain to hours of numbness) And overall my wife insists I have the lowest pain threshold of anyone she knows! But I'm also scared of the shots. Some of the stories here are horrible and here is another one: An acquaintance of mine received dental anesthesia for work on rear upper teeth as a result lost most vision in one eye. As a result she had to quit her career, which required good peripheral vision in both eyes.
      The endodontist who did my root canal today told me he actually had one patient who endured a root canal without shots; but the dude was a special forces soldier who had intense training in withstanding pain. If the risk of permanent damage from dental shots is higher than the profession cares to admit or knows about then it's up to us patients to take appropriate action. Tell your dentist no shots please; if he/she objects find another dentist. If you really can't take the pain of drilling,poking and scraping find a dentist who uses nitrous oxide or general anesthesia. You can also pre-medicate with pain killing medicine but then absolutely don't drive.

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      1. When I asked for nitrous instead of injection last year for crown prep, I was told they still inject you, you just don't care because you're already on nitrous... it's just to relax you, not to do the work. That's what I was told in my case, any way.

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    71. OMG... I just read this and now want to cry I had my last 8 bottom teeth removed for my bottom plate took me 4 years to come to this decision Im in agony I feel like I dipped my mouth in a fire pit with sparking constantly my numbness is all down the middle to right side. My dentist didnt even know about BMS till I found it online brought to his attention and he doing more research I done the allergy test on everything It's only been since April 15th, 2013 I cry I can't sleep I drink ooodles of water even sips of milk to coat < can't stand milk Im just so desperate I dont even like to wear my dentures I cant talk I dont go anywear now this nerve thing I read is like OMG Is there relief ever how to be sure what it is...

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      1. Dear OMG - I understand your fear, everything is so painful and uncertain right now. Hang on, get some good help from the right doctors, take pain meds if you have to, in order to get through this time. Things will improve, I promise, but it may not be quickly. Keep us posted. Hugs, Jane

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    72. So Happy for your blog...
      I need to get rid of the headache that feels like major sinus pain/pressure & dizziness.

      April 29th went in for a root canal, bottom lower right, felt an electrical shock surge through my tongue to the tip, told the Dentist, he said that this does happen from time to time a lot of nerves in the area.

      April 30th, called the Dentist office cause the root canal tooth felt like it has a pulse in it I was ready to pull ot out. Dentist prescribed PMS-Dexamethasone 4mg, I was on it for less than a week and started not to feel 100%, dizzy, etc so I stopped taking it. During this time my tongue has felt like I burnt it on something hot, no appetite, not really thirsty too.

      May 6th the headache pain became worse and was told that it was because I was coming off of PMS-Dexamethasone 4mg (the steriods)so I beared with it for a couple more days until on May 8th I emailed the dentist & mentioned how I felt. They advised I see a Medical Dr, so I did.
      I had done some research & found your blog.
      I told the Dr. I thought it might be lingual Nerve damage, she checked out my sinus's no infection there, etc etc. She gave me some Lyrica 25mg 3x a day to try. As Advil isn't helping with the pressure (sinus)across my forehead. I have never had a migraine so can't compare this pain to one, but light does bug me.

      I have been on the Lyrica for less than a week I think it is helping but my headache is still hanging around.

      My Dentist has referred me to an Endodontist just waiting to hear when I can see him/her.

      I am so scared and I can't handle the pressure/pain across my forehead/sinus's & jaw.

      My face doesn't look like my face, my smile is different, my right eye is slower, as with my right side of my upper lip. I think my face is puffier and tongue still has the burnt feeling on it.

      I have had accupunture and scheduled again for one tomorrow as well as seeing a chiropractor.

      I want to be ME again & feel like me again!!!

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      1. Sorry for your pain, Debra. If you look at the diagram of the nerves in your face, you'll notice that the lingual nerve is connected to many others throughout your face, potentially causing all kinds of weird symptoms no one can explain... migraine-like symptoms are not unusual (headache, sensitivity to light and noise). I am NOT a doctor, so you should follow the course you are of getting further evaluation. I went down many, many dead ends til I started getting answers. Let us know what happens - Hugs, Jane

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    73. I've been scouring the web looking for symptoms that are similar to my own but haven't had much luck. What seems to set me apart from others is the numbness in my tongue isn't at all painful. My tongue is just numb and make speaking difficult, at best. Also, what's also unusual is I experienced this at first two years ago after a dentist visit. The symptoms then and now only present themselves after I eat or after I talk or sing for any length of time. After a period of rest things go back to normal. Two years ago the symptoms lasted several months and then went away completely. They're back now and I have no idea what could have triggered the relapse. Does this sound like anything you might have heard of or experienced before?

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      1. No, I've never heard of a "remission" period such as this. If you haven't had any additional dental work, it is puzzling that you healed but are now hurting again. :(

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    74. Unfortunately, I am now a member of the club. I went to my dentist for a routine deep cleaning on 5/11. I have yet to regain feeling in my tongue. My story is similar to all the others here. The feeling of devastation is incredible. Glad to know I am not alone, but sad to know that the prognosis is up in the air. The only difference between me and most others here is that I have issues with my tongue drawing up and to the left and feeling strained by the end of the day. I don't know what to make of it. My dentist remains in touch with me and is actively looking for answers...apparently I am only his second case of a nicked nerve.... :(

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    75. MY heart goes out to each and every person who wrote on this page. I just had dental work done 3 days ago by a student dentist cause I have no insurance right now and they are more afforable but after this experience I refuse injections anywhere. Why are there so many nerves in our head? Very frustrating. I do not know if I have nerve damage, if anyone knows, please let me know. I have a lower cavity filled #20, premolar on my left side. I got the shot at the rear of my lower jaw, it did not hurt, but I felt a light tingling sensation instantly at my front lower teeth, very strange! It was like a warm tingling sensation. I have a dental phobia, I had anxiety the whole time I was there. The numbing wore off but now the area where the dentist gave me the shot in my back jaw still feels like the needle is stuck in my jaw, its been 3 days and at night is when pain comes, it flares up evey time I open and close my mouth its a sharp pain. And I can see red blood clot dots where he stuck me with the shot and the pain starts there and goes down into my jaw, just like a needle is still in there. And the cavity he filled is extremely sensitive, any pressure hurts bad. No cold drinks. I do not experience electrical shocks, numbness, and tongue is ok......sometimes when my jaw is hurting badly my tongue will ache.....also I feel pressure in my ear too. I know this is not TMJ or TMD its too sharp and right where the shot was. Is this nerve damage anyone? Please help me with advice.

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      1. You may want to get Xray or scan to verify the needle did not NOT break off in there. However, your symptoms do sound like the nerve may just have been touched. The only one who was able to confirm my injury was a specialist at a dental school with an Orofacial Pain department, which took aobut 3 months to hunt down after my injury. Let us know what you find out.

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      2. Hello Jane, I called my student dentist and he said to just wait it out..that it will indeed get better. Well, its been 6 days and the stabbing pain from shot subsided alot. But I have a new issue and it hurts. Remember how I explained when he gave me the shot in my rear lower jaw I could feel a instant warm tingle sensation in my lower front canine and tooth next to it....well, now those 2 teeth always give me a sensation that they are freezing cold, like someone is holding ice on top of those 2 lower front teeth. I really thing you are right Jane, that he touched a nerve, I hope this does not last forever. I know my symptoms arent anything compared to you Jane and alot of others on here. But I hope this will heal with time. I am praying for that and for you Jane and everyone on this page. I also use to take Gabapentin for severe anxiety, and I have a big bottle full, well I took 300mg of it today and it really took the edge off the freezing teeth. I honestly refuse oral injections now. I have 5 lower cavities and some are deep, Im in the middle of a treatment plan with my student dentist so hopefully he will still fill the cavities with topical numbing or Ill go somewhere that will..Id rather put up with intense TEMPORARY nerve pain compared to life long nerve pain. I know this is long, thank you for this page Jane. I will keep you and everyone updated on if this subsides and this nerve heals.

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      3. Jane, I also wanted to ask you, how are you doing now? Do you have and improvements with your situation. I really hope you have.

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      4. Hi Serea,
        Thanks for writing - I remember that freezing teeth feeling all too well. While I rarely get the freezing these days, I do get achey, throbbing teeth daily. I've already had root canals in the teeth that are throbbing, so it's not the nerve in those teeth, it's the lingual nerve that got hit that's the problem. My injury was 12/30/09.

        The most frustrating thing is that no one can see this...I have had numerous scans, MRI's, etc. and was told they saw nothing wrong. I hear stories of others having surgical repair and such, so there must be doctors somewhere who know a lot more than those where I live. I've found that insurance doesn't cover therapies that might help with pain, even temporarily, such as acupunture or Botox, so we're forced to take things like Gabapentin, Neurontin, anti-depressants, Percocet, etc...

        I hate to say it but I really wish some celebrity would get injured like we have, because then all of a sudden it would become a big deal and everything would change.

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    76. I also wanted to let everyone know that a dentist I met online stated that it is a 1 and 1,000,000 chance that a dentist will hit a patients nerve! I know this is not true, I read everywhere online about people that have nerve damage, and especially here. The risks involved with dental injections needs to be out there more, this is a silent epidemic.

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    77. I agree with you Jane, someone big and well known by the world needs to know about this. I wouldnt wish it on anyone but yes, somehow-the risks need to be more well-known. I went to my regular doctor today and he is setting me up with oral surgery dept...to get my situation looked at more..I dont have insurance my doctors are through a charity so and I dont have the money or option to see the oralpain dr..my only choice was the oral surgery, and they are residents (students) but real doctors are there too so hopefully they can help me out...also my regular doctor prescribed my 50mg of Elavil (I suggested this) hopefully with the Gabapentin I have here itll help....I take Remeron and Suboxone and adding the Gabapentin makes me so light headed now Im gonna add the Elavil, oh Lord I hope I wont be too loopy.I also requested a steroid but Dr. didnt agree with that route yet, he said to keep taking Advil, that its only been a week.......Jane, so the cold feeling you use to feel, is it better now or did it get worse when it turned into the throbbing pain....Throbbing pain sounds just as bad too. I was wondering will this pain spread? I still am sore at the lower rear of my jaw from shot, but the only place I feel the freezing cold is bottom left canine tooth and 2 teeth next to it, Im hurting right now and it almost feels like my front top (big) tooth is cold too now. DANG. I really hope this is not going to spread.and my pain starts in late afternoon everyday until bedtime, Im able to still fall asleep hurting with the help of Gabapentin and Remeron.......Jane,..I also read alot of your archives you have..I really look up to you, you are so strong and you give me hope. I have always battled anxiety when it comes to my health, when something isnt right with me.. my anxiety is a 10, then the bad depression sets in and I ponder on whats wrong with me. But I have learned so much from this site...and ALSO-I was reading this blog from a woman who suffered from EXTREME TN pain, she said it was extremely bad and no medications work, she tried everything, her doctor asked if she tried Elavil, she said yes, did not help, he said ok but have you tried it with Gabapentin? She said no, he told her to try this cocktail together and see. She did and 48 hours later she was pain free, so she looks at it like a miracle drug mixture, she even weaned off of the Elavil and has been pain free for 3 years. I know everyones case and bodies are different, but I wanted to add this with hope that it can help you or anyone who reads this. I have this mixture so I will let you know. Also Jane, if you have to go to the next town over to find a doctor that can try to find where your nerve is hurt, DO SO. I know I would. I will get back with you in a few days after my cocktail mix gets in my system. I wish you knew people in your area that could say HEY, this doctor is great with Lingual nerve pain, go here, he helped me! I would call the doctors offices and ask alot of questions about the doctors experience with your situation, if the secretary acts like that doctor doesnt have alot of experience in that area, then ask her if she knows a doctor who does. Some people in this world are very helpful especially when your hurting..I would be making alot of calls and asking for alot of help and referals from the secretaries. I know I wish I could help. I will get back in a few days. Peace&Love

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    78. Serea, Thanks for sharing this - please keep me posted on what you find.
      Ironically, the lack of help I got from calling so many different offices (endodontists, dentists, oral surgeons, neurologists, you name it) while in great pain and barely able to speak, is what led me to start this blog.

      No one had a clue...or some receptionists said they did, but when I got there, they really didn't. There was no information out there, other than sciental.net, which got shut down. A few people started blogs, but stopped writing soon after. So, I started this one, and committed to keep it going once I saw the response.

      I'm so thankful for the internet, where we can try to help each other, because no one else understands!

      Thanks everybody for reading, and for writing - much appreciated! :) hugs, jane

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    79. I quit smoking a year ago. I got a bunch of dental work done immediately afterward. That's when I started having the burning feeling on one side of my mouth, on the right side in the back. I thought it was from the teeth problems I was having. I had all the dental work I needed done ...which required quite a few novocaine injections. The pain still did not go away. It's a burning feeling on the side of my tongue and back of my mouth. I thought I had it beat and it had almost gone away when I went back recently for a filling and got another injection. Now the pain has come back on the exact side he worked on. The only thing that works is the oragel and that's temporary. It feels like a raw spot on my tongue but when you look at it it looks completely normal. My doctor and dentist just shrug their shoulders and say they don't see anything. I would like to mention I have a back problem and take routine pain medication. If I did not take this pain medication already I can't imagine how painful this mouth pain would be. So far, I've been putting up with this for over a year with only brief periods of relief.

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    80. Well, Im back, I been on the Elavil for 4 days now. And my sleep has been disrupted, I think its because I take low dose Remeron too, which is alot like Elavil but a different class, and too much seratonin and kinda wake you up. So Im gonna back off of Elavil for a few days and see if I sleep better. I honestly dont know if I will be able to take this. I am dependant on Remeron so I cant just stop it cuz it gives me rebound insomnia. I have burning all around the TMJ muscles, and back of head, when my TMJ muscles flare up itll cause light burning in side of my tongue and roof of mouth and throat on side side to burn. My 2 lower teeth in front that feel like there on ice have not been bothering me as much. I spoke with a orafacial surgeon online and he said that my main problem is TMJD related and not nerve damage. That when the lower rear jaw was injected it goes through 2 muscles and if there is any movement at the time of injection it can cause all of my symptoms. He stated that the teeth on ice will go away once my muscles heal. That the inflamed muscles are pushing on the nerve and making my teeth sensitive. It makes since and hopefully thats whats going on. Next week I go to the oral surgeon so hopefully they will be able to help.

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      1. Hi Serea,
        When I was on Elavil (and others) I was RX'ed Ambien in conjunction as they knew it would disrupt sleep, and I've always struggled with insomnia anyway. I know Ambien gets a lot of bad press but sleep is so necessary for healing, so whether you use Ambien, melatonin, or some natural holistic sleep aid, it may be worth it. (Just make sure you're already in bed for the night when you take it!)

        Re: muscles, I think there's something to that... I'm not a clencher but a "tenser" - this is a made-up term I use to describe what I'm unconsiously doing in my sleep b/c of anxiety and pain (I've awakened at times to realize I'm contracting my facial muscles, like when you're concentrating).

        My TMJ/orofacial pain doc couldn't figure out how to resolve this. I paid over $1k for a night guard, but that's really more designed for grinding/clenching/clacking teeth, which I don't do.

        His solution was to tell me to take drugs to relax me more for quality sleep, but they are benzos (Klonopin) and I read nightmare stories about withdrawals so have tried to really not use much at all.

        My doc now just kind of scratches his head when I come in, so I've stopped going.

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    81. Dear Jane,
      I am writing about facial pain that started after dental work for my father. One dentist preformed fillings and cap repair and oral surgeon removed two badly decaying lower molars. (21 and 27) all within two weeks. That was late July 2012. The pain started immediately after the dental work, but Dad didn't complain until late September. Eating, speaking, drinking all very painful. He began hanging his head in mid sentence as if is was too heavy to hold up. My search for relief began.

      We did all OTCs and one compounded script from the dentist. The right side of his face/jaw/tongue is the pain area. The pain he was experiencing was like sticking his tongue in a light socket and flipping the switch on and off.

      I have been all over the web and could write books on Trigeminal Neuralgia, sialadenitis, cavitation of the jaw bone, salivary gland stones, glossopharyngeal neuralgia and more. Found your blog, still looking for answers or relief for my father.

      We did receive a diagnosis of TN and started treatment of Tramadol and Tregretol. Didn't get very far, Dad had serious reaction and drugs are not an option. Only Tylenol and Chloraseptic spray to numb the tongue long enough to eat.

      My father is 99 years old and healthy (except for the pain) up to this point he was living on his own. Now in assisted living.

      I wanted to share some possible good news for those that might be suffering from TN. Since drugs were ruled out for Dad, I started searching for holistic treatment and came upon a site for TN, it suggested upper cervical chiropractic treatment. It seems that difficult dental extraction can in fact set the skull off the Atlas, putting pressure on the C5 nerve, trigeminal. Long story short, I found a chiro that would make house calls and he discovered Dad's neck was out of whack along with jaw misalignment. He did a treatment right there for both. The TN is gone!! Dad still has what I believe is lingual nerve damage from injection and the tongue is quite painful, but the shocking pain is gone. I don't have the url handy, but google What Time Tuesday for the TN site.

      I have read many blogs, but never added a reply to any until now. I truly hope this could help someone out there at least with the TN. We are still in search for relief for sporadic and jabbing pain, but nothing like it was.

      Blessing to all.





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      1. Wow, what an interesting story and a great post, I'm glad you found my blog, and thank you for writing. I'm sure many readers will have questions about this.

        Was his TN pain resolved with just one treatment, or over time? I wish there was an equally quick fix for lingual nerve pain.

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      2. kava! in Hawaii we have a plant called kava the root is used in drinks or ground into powder its 100 % natural not a drug or anything but if chewed it will cause numbness in your mouth if you drink it your whole body will feel relaxed. I recommend the chewing method so its concentrated in the mouth and face. I think a lot of you suffering from severe pain may find some relief with this. I believe you can order it online not to sure we have kava bars and they sell it in some stores here in Hawaii but its worth trying good luck and hang in there aloha.

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    82. Hi Jane, the chiropractic treatment was done by a seasoned chiropractor and a one-time adjustment. Dad remained sitting in the chair he was in. No xrays were done. (heads up though, there are upper cervical chiros out there that take xrays and request many visits) Only two available in our area, thankfully one made house calls :)

      Update as of today. We had scheduled appt with ENT at a University Hospital. He ruled out cancer and said no biopsy would be needed. Dad's tongue is healthy, perhaps inflamed from nerve pain. Dad has only one kidney and cannot take ibuprophen, as well as drugs. ENT recommended Magic Mouthwash until we can get to dental pathology appt. (we tried the MM a couple of times long ago, it is messy and short-lived relief) plus now that Dad is in assisted living, we need a prescribed, compounded MM to be assisted by aids at the center.

      Not sure that dental pathology will bring a solution for the pain, as much as it might give final reason for the pain. Which since this was only after dental work done, I am not sure we even need the 100 mile trip to find that out :(

      Possible RX, steroids, either topically or pill form, but at his age reaction to steroid taken internally is possible. Not sure we need to draw a road map to places we won't go.

      Again thank you for your blog, very helpful. I will be happy to share further info if there are questions from readers. I can only report on what we have tried. I am not a doctor.

      Blessing to all.

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    83. Had similar incident at dentist while getting a shot. As I was getting injection felt spike up my tongue. Dentist knew what had happened and went on to explain what happen. It was on the list of things that could happen during a procedure. She seemed to be fully aware about lingual nerve damage. It was numb for about a week and slowly the feeling was coming back,but not normal. Was more like pin and needles. It has been about 6 weeks and most of pain is gone but occasionally burning comes back. After reading most of the post found out caffeine was triggering it to flare up again. So cutting back on sodas to make sure. In my case I was made aware of what could happen so I am not blaming the dentist for what happened. I have had an oral surgeon tell me I have unusually long roots, and is why some of the dentist I have used over the years don't like working on my teeth, because of the risk of nerve damage. Great blog and good information. Thanks


      Jason




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    84. I went to a dentist for a root canal and he gave me a shot in my left cheek. I was hurting thewre when i left the office./ I have never had a shot in the cheek for dental work.I cannot figure out why he gave me a shot in the cheek. After a while he put shots around the tooth that he was going to have a root canal on. By the time that i got home my cheek was hurting so bad that i could not eat. That has been 6 days ago and it still hurts. I do not want any more shots in the cheek. I guess that you get what you pay for.

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    85. I got pain, still after loong time, tingeling,burning,pulsing, `m getting tired when I speak. - It`s getting worse when i enjoy alcohol, beer, wine, nerve reaction in to "fongus", I can`t smoke or drink..then it`s getting worse...feeling stiff...I`ts the medicament they used..it can attack the nerve...they know, but can`t idmit it..its called something i dont remember...suprises mee not...I still have one that is pushed out to the side in the back of the row in my gaping hole...It suprises me that the nerve reacts to "rein-deer" it stings, reindeer meat seem to taste strong, and somehow thee tension in the tongue seem different eating Santas reindeer...no joking..sincirely...maby reindeer got something my tongue wants..

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    86. Hi Jason,
      I'm glad you are feeling better, and that I was able to help in the short term. Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones who can expect complete recovery!

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    87. Hello. Jane- I was just checking in. I hope your doing well. I had my oral surgery appt. today....All my teeth on xray are fine besides my cavities, so the doc said what I already knew, doc feels that I have a "bumped/bruised/poked/nerve" in his words. My bottom front teeth that have been on ice have actually subsided about 30%. I dont know if its just healing or if its my toothpaste change because I started using the original Sendodyne mixed with my prescription Prevident 5000....my dentist said that the high percentage of floride and Sensodyne will hopefully help with the sensitivity. It will still flare up but its not at a constant like it use to be. Also I have a new symptom, my bottom teeth on same side (where lower injection was gave) will sometimes burn, like a deep toothache all along my lower jaw, sometimes it feels like a burning itch, when that happens it makes me get anxiety, cuz I cant itch something thats deep in my gums, I know its all nerves so when that happens I take my Gabapentin and 3 or 4 advils and it seems to take the edge off, and I tell myself this is temporary. Im blessed cause the last time I felt this jaw pain was 2 days ago at work, and it lasted off and on for 2 hours. I stopped my Elavil last week cause for some reason I has trouble sleeping, it was 25mg, so my doctor said to give it another shot at 10mg instead, he stated that because I am also taking 15mg Remeron (which is another older antidepressant) he said the seritonin in both could have hyped me up. But the lower dosage seems to be good, so Im on my 4th day of Elavil 10mg. Also the oral surgeon said that Gabapentin is a wonderful drug for pain and that he knows many who it helped, he said the trick is to find the right dosage because if you dont take enough of it ..it wont work. They found out that sometimes it takes higher dosages of it to work for pain with some. So, hopefully this info will someone out here. Elavil/Gabapentin/Advil has been my pain cocktail. I will update my healing journey in a week or so. I keep my depression under control by remembering that there are people in this world who have it so much worse than us, people dying in accidents, cancer and Aids and at least what we have Will heal, slowly, but surely. Peace&Love to you.

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    88. Gab

      I had no sensitivity before I had a tiny filing two weeks ago. Since then my tooth and surrounding area ache like crazy with very little relief. I feel the pain mostly where the shots were administered. I went back to the dentist and she put something on it to reduce the pain. It is not working. I just want the pain to end. What is the solution for this? Please don't tell me if involves throwing myself off a cliff.

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      1. I just went through the same thing, it felt as if the shot was still stuck in there, its been 3 weeks now and that area has healed alot. Time and advil will heal the pain. The first weeks it hurts bad, then it will start easing up around the 2nd and 3rd week. Advil does wonders, take 3-4 of them every 6 hours and that should help. Also Sensodyne helps with my cavity filling sensitivity too. The nerve is inflammed from the shot and the filling, it just needs to settle down.

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    89. Well, call me crazy but I still have 8 cavities that got to be filled and I am so scared, scared beyond belief to get any injection in my mouth. I already have dental phobia. And the nerve damage Ive experienced for 4 weeks is something I cannot go through again. SO I found a dentist that will fill my cavities under general anesthesia (put to sleep) and his nurse told me that there is no need for local anesthesia when I am put to sleep. My anxiety has been so high lately I cannot picture myself setting in a dentist chair with my phobia for dentists. So this coming wednesday I will be having a consult with the dentist (he is about 60 years old he has been a dentist/oral surgeon for close to 40 years so I feel safe with him. A student dentist was the F$%&#r who poked my nerve. I have to go back to him so he can put a crown on my root canal tooth he did a year ago and I am insisting that he better not use injection to numb me or Im walking outta there with my temporary on my root canal! He did the root canal without hitting my nerve....it was 4 weeks ago when he did a filling on lower cavities when he hit or bumped something.....but anyways I will keep this updated and let you know after I get put to sleep and all the rest of my cavities get filled and let Jane and everyone else know how it went. I know it sounds insane to get put to sleep to get alot of cavities filled but Im sure a lot of people can agree that Id rather be safe than sorry and risk a dentist hitting another nerve, I already suffer from depression and anxiety and any more pain that wont go away will send me over the edge so this is the right decision for my certain situation and my family agrees as well. I will get back soon. Peace&Love

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    90. Just a update since my last post, my nerve pains have 95% healed. Maybe its the Gabapentin I take with the Elavil, but the bad sensitivity, burning lower gums, and teeth on ice feelings are gone so there is hope. BUT I still havent undergone my general anesthesia for the rest of my teeth to get worked on because I have a new pain! And its nerve pain. Im pretty sure I have a herniated disc in C6 area of neck, this causes refered pain down my left arm (it has a burning feeling and pulled muscle feeling between my shoulder blade and spine) Im seeing a Physical Therpist and Ortho. Dr. in few weeks so once I thought I was done with nerve pain BAM, it hits again. They say bad posture in front of computer, and setting can cause this horrible pain.

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    91. Wow, just wow. That there are so many of you here breaks my heart.

      Jane - you are so awesome for putting this site together and making time to moderate is, despite your own busy life and struggle with this pain. Thank you.

      It's not me who was hurt, it was my husband. He'd had a root canal, resulting in some lingering jaw aching (minimal pain, just annoying), so he went to have the tooth (bottom molar #31) pulled on 4/4/11. The oral surgeon has a newbie hygienist do the injection, which is legal in OR, but highly irregular. When the numb wore off, he was in so much pain that he was crying and rolling on the floor. That in itself was terrifying - he's a 6'7" strong guy and this had literally made him crumble.

      After many doctor visits, spanning 3 states, consensus is that the Septocaine was injected right into the lingual nerve, possibly into IAN as well, causing permanent damage to a wide area of peripheral nerves, therefore no surgical options available.

      The result has been severe, non-stop, and so far unsuccessfully-managed pain. Burning on entire right side of his tongue, intense pain in the empty socket area and behind it where the lingual nerve was hit, with full trigeminal involvement affecting the jaw, lip, cheek, and temple.

      After finding all opioids/NSAIDs, etc ineffective, a Dr gave him steroids about 2 months after the injury, but they didn't help.

      Since then, he's tried Neurontin/Gapapentin and Pamelor/Nortriptyline with little to no effect. Capsacian and magic mouth wash didn't do anything. Now on max dose of Lyrica, which helps some (pain was 8-9, now often 6-7 with spikes up to 8-9), but not enough that he can ever not think about the pain. Of course, he tries to focus elsewhere, but as he put it, there's been an emergency in his mouth for 2+ years and no one in the medical community seems to care. Pain dr tries, but doesn't know other than just giving more meds to try. And my husband hates taking all these meds, in particular since none of them have seemed to help. A cocktail may help more, but it's so much effort going to these visits and when it feels like nothing has helped, it's easy to become hopeless than nothing else will work, so why try?! Of course, you have to try because the pain is so bad, so there's this constant turmoil, physical and emotional. As you all know... :-(

      Don't even get me started on the complete waste of a human being that this oral surgeon is... he denied knowing what could even be causing this pain, and sent us to a neurologist. Come to find out, he's an experienced litigator wrt dental nerve injuries and well connected to everyone in OR, which is why none of the dozen or so attorneys we contacted would even consider the case. To those with some legal success, count yourself lucky. Seems like your chances are better if you live in CA or NY, otherwise no one will be held accountable.

      The lack of any accountability considering his huge pain burden may be the worst part of this for my husband. He's gone from a happy go-lucky family man to someone who doesn't want to talk to anyone and has to try so hard just to enjoy even the things he loves in the face of this constant pain and the bitter, fearful, resentful feelings it brings.

      It's so so so sad...

      I am really grateful for this site and hope to get ideas for what to treatments to try, as well as to share the results of our efforts and experiments. Maybe someday, I can convince my husband to check it out too. Meanwhile, I am going to check out the FB page too.

      *Best wishes to everyone here*

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      1. OregonSunray - your husband is lucky to have you looking after him. I hope you find some good tips and wisdom here on this blog and FB page. There is no magic cure, but it sure helps knowing:
        A. What's wrong with him (and that LND isn't fatal, he just may wish it was sometimes!)
        B. He's not the only one suffering, and he will get better in time, even if he's never 100% again, and
        C. Some things you can try to help feel some semblance of control in an out of control situation, when the medical profession just looks at you like you're nuts.

        Is it weird to say that I feel somewhat better that a 6'7" man was crying over this injury...as a fragile, sensitive, 5'4" and 112 lb female, I thought I was just a wimp! ;)

        Take care, and keep in touch! JF

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      2. Thanks so much Jane.

        Not weird at all - I felt "better" (less crazy, out of control, etc) reading the comments here and seeing that my husband having days/moments of wishing he was dead and being so bitter/angry is "normal" in the face of this pain. Even though I think I understand this injury about as well as anyone not injured like this could, I still have a hard time understanding the emotional outpourings from him sometimes (and I think I am a sensitive/intuitive person!).

        I just keep hoping that something will give him some relief, and that he won't give up on life in the meantime. Our 5-yr old daughter really help keeps him sane.

        I'll be checking back regularly. I hope your pain is continuing to improve, even if at a snail's pace - any progress here is good progress!!

        Take care!
        Tracie

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    92. Hello I need advice please! I was put to sleep 3 days ago to have all 4 wisdom teeth removed. I was sorta warned before hand that I may get temporary nerve damage and I had asked if it was for sure only temporary and I also asked if it would effect my ability to talk or eat. The dental surgeon reassured me that it would only be some numbness in my lip for either a few days or weeks. So I went threw with it.... When I woke up the surgeon pulled my support person out of the room and described to her that he had to leave a part of my root in there to prevent nerve damage since my root was apparently wrapped in circles around my nerve. (I don't know why he didn't tell me before hand seeing as I did an extra xray on their request literally 10min prior to operation.) Anyways I went home around 3pm with a prescription for penicillin and tramadol. At 9pm that night I received a phone call from the dental surgeon asking how I was doing. I mentioned that I still had no feeling in the entire left side of my face and he told me it was just freezing and it should go away by 24hours post-op. The next day I was even worse pain and I still had no feeling in my entire left side of my face. So I called the after hours emergency line and told them my pain meds were not working and that I still couldn't feel the one side of my face. This dentist (after first wrongly accusing me of taking all my pain meds within 24hours) had told me that it was very odd that the dental surgeon hadn't prescribed t3s after such an operation. And diagnosed my feeling loss as parasthesia. And asked me to come into his office in the morning. I did. He poked all four wounds then prescribed me t3s and dexamethasone. And said the feeling should come back if not then my dentist will refer me to specialist. He charged me a hundred dollars and sent me on my way. That was it! What should I do???????? Please give me advice!!!!!

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      1. Hi Shauna,
        By t3's do you mean Tylenol 3? It sounds like a correct diagnosis of parasthesia (lingering numbness; mine is dysethesia - just pain without numbness). In time, parasthesia may subside, or morph into dysthethesia before resolving completely. Or, it may never resolve 100%, but usually it does.

        It's ridiculous they perform wisdom teeth surgery without an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to locate the nerve before poking around in there but guess what - money- yep, that's what it all comes down to.

        What other surgery do you know of where they don't use this kind of technology? Even laprascopic surgery involves a camera inserted into the body before anything is removed.

        I'd love to see a law proposed to mandate the use of technology to locate nerves before and during any kind of dental work involving wisdom teeth or lower molars (I believe these are teeth #17,18; #31,32). It's clear that this would be helpful, as well as reduce Physician's liability, yet it's universally overlooked.

        Anyone volunteer to write up a petition or a bill for Congress - I guarantee I could get signatures?

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    93. I am so relieved to find this article. I have been given the run-around for several months now following a root canal after which I was having severe pain on the left side of my head, constant headaches only on that side, burning tongue on the left side, hypersensitivity in and around the area where the tooth was (it was extracted, which gave me no relief), pain that jumps around from place to place along the nerve pathways according to the illustration you have on your blog (today it is over my left eyebrow and throbbing in and next to the socket on the roof of my mouth and ear; yesterday it was in my cheek/jaw area and ear). The pain is almost gone in the morning but gets worse as soon as I eat or talk, just as you have mentioned in your article, and progressively gets worse throughout the day. By nighttime most days it is excruciating. Some days are better than others. I have been pushed around by my dentist between an endodontist, oral surgeon and an ear nose throat specialist. No one has been able to figure out what is going on; had a sinus CT scan and numberous X-rays and they all came back clear. I also have an appointment with an oral medicine doctor who specializes in facial pain; unfortunately the soonest they could get me in is towards the end of July. I am hoping they can give me some answers because this pain is unbearable.

      Thank you so much for posting this blog, it has shed a lot of light on my situation and has made me realize that I am definitely not alone in this. I totally understand and know what you're going through - it seems like I am going through exactly the same thing. I am hanging on by a thin thread to my job and am no longer talking to my dad or stepmom because they don't understand at all what I am going through. My finances are completely depleted and I struggle daily to keep a roof over my head and my bills paid. I live alone and have no one to turn to for help, so it has been a very lonely road for me...not to mention the fact that most of my friends have seemed to drop off the face of the earth. Guess it doesn't matter anyway, since I spend weekends and nights at home in bed...

      I haven't read all of your blogs yet, but I will definitely go through them. I hope you are doing better - and that this won't be a lifelong battle for you.

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      1. Grace,
        welcome to our community! Like you, I was pushed all over town (and still am, 4 years later) - it is unbelievable that so few in the medical profession know what this is or how to treat.

        Also, like you, I live alone, so please feel free to write any time. If you don't want something published publicly, just say so in your note.

        There are so few who understand or have compassion. If you get a cut on your arm, well, everyone can see that, but if the cut is in your nerve, no one sees (or even believes) your pain. But we here on the blog do. Keep in touch, here and on FB, and don't let this stupid thing win! I promise, it will get better in time. xo Jane

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    94. I have the same issue but had upper tooth done. Tongue tingles for months and it feels like teeth are scraping it. Drives me mad. How could mine be lingual nerve damage when its top teeth yet all I read matches me to a T. I also have a log of many docs sending me around along with MRI. Here I sit five months later writing with my tongue tingling. Sunflowers I have a diary I kept. All I do is suck candy so I don't loose it. Nobody understands me.

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      1. I have the same thing with tingling tongue and teeth feel sharp. I got a DenTec custom comfort dental guard today and it helps protect my tongue and I feel better. Not as much tingling and dryness too. Best I've felt for the 6 weeks since having wisdom teeth pulled.

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    95. Sunflowers diary so u can get an idea. I am cutting and pasting it.


      11/2012 rotator surgery. Just an FYI since nerves were involved.

      12/5/2012 root canal and 3 silver fillings changed to composite
      Tongue hurts . Thought tongue was scraping. Nothing at all on tongue.
      Nobody understands. Am I biting it? Thought it was shot overload.

      1/2/2013 another root canal. Split in 2 days. Next to old one. Tongue sore and burning but not as tingly and constant as now. Top teeth and lingual is for bottom only right?

      2/2013 got new mouth guard and it hurt jaws bad. Put aside and used my old one. Scheduled new dentist to start all over with guard and tongue 2nd opinion.

      2/2013 thru 5/2013. Acupuncture, chiro etc. to relax... tongue hurts.
      When you first wake up its not as bad. As the day goes in, the tongue becomes worse? Is it lingual and it really is time. Than why at times does it feel odd in surrounding areas.

      3/2013 Went to the new dentist- get guard possible grinding.

      4/2013. Endodotist . Went there to ensure root canals were ok. Teeth fine!

      4/2013. Dentist again. Yes again, they see nothing. They checked teeth surface and said go see neurologist. Still not sure if I chew it leaving no marks? I tested it by putting wax on teeth and upon weakening, wax wasn't moved. Did I chew with wax on it and not know. Am I the only one in this world feeling this?

      5/15. Told my psychiatrist - he gave me neurotin. Was praying neurotin would help even though its a band aid. Can those klonopin be hurting me now that I am lowering pills or is that for high dose people? Sad.

      5/17/2013 went to oral tooth surgeon. Odd, when he gave me shot, tongue tingled and hurt in same area so he said see what neurologist says since I was already scheduled. He also said possible nerve damage by seeing my reaction with needle.

      5/21 went to neurologist. Keep taking neurotin from shrink and see if its just time???Gave me a couple of poke tests. Left with no solution. Tongue burning and tingling like 9 volt battery or novacaine aftermath.

      5/29 . Went to ears nose throat. He sent me to MRI in somerset hospital.

      6/2. mouth guard pick up.

      6/3. MRI at somerset hospital. So freaked was sedated. Horrible tomb!

      6/4. ENT. Got results.. Nothing wrong at all with scan. Go back to oral surgeon or neurologist? I went to those already?? Come back in month if no change?

      Sitting here and don't know if teeth are hurting tongue or tongue is fatter and hurting from swelling making it hit teeth.

      Affects my speech and tongue feels odd. its so irritating, I yell in frustration.

      6/24. On couch with tingling tongue.







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      1. Good that you're keeping track. Hang in there. Try the viscous lidocaine for the tongue. Or for something stronger, try klonopin (just use sparingly, these make you sleepy and can be addictive)

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      2. Was removed from klonopin. What is tat tongue lidocaine?

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      3. Also did anyone ever say there went away. Strange to get MRI on head and they see nothing making the side of tongue feel like permanent novacaine making tongue feel like its now being scraped by teeth with no marks like Ed said above. Saddd still

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    96. I found your post googling for information on messed up dentist visits. A simple procedure to fix a chipped tooth has left me in agony. This is a front bottom tooth and I hope in time the nerve will heal. During my research I have come across many links between not only lingual nerve injury but also trigeminal neuralgia caused by bad dentistry. I watch my grandmother basically commit suicide from trigeminal neuralgia after years of being abused by the dentists (they took out all her healthy teeth?). I am honestly never going to a dentist again, I would rather have my teeth fall out :(). Wishing you OP and the rest of the posters the very best of luck, please continue to spread the word.

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    97. I'm so glad to know it can heal. I hope it doesnt take long. I had a temp crown three days ago. I know he hit a nerve, thiught I was gonna jump out of the chair. I'm hoping the pain in my jaw and down my neck go away soon. But I'm calling him on monday to twll him of the pain I'm having.

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    98. I had a crown replaced due to age and there was a lot of decay and once the temporary was put on it resulted in constant throbbing so after about 4 weeks I said I wanted it pulled instead of a root canal. Went to an endodentist, squeezed in. He must have given me literally 15 shots of novacaine equivalent or lidocaine because he did 3 rounds of 5-6 because it was not numbing. I felt the novacaine run down my throat. I complained about the sore throat 1 week later and was told it should get better. It is 5 weeks now and it is not better and I don't know if I call the endodentist, talk to my dentist (who I trust and referred me) or I talk to my primary who I see tomorrow anyway or who? I just saw my neuro so I can't see him for 3 more months. I am already on a pill for central nervous system pain, tranxene (in the valium family) and it is used for Burning Mouth which I don't have but it is NOT helping the constant feel like there is a lump in the right of my throat and soreness swallowing and the more I talk I go hoarse and the pain is worse. I know not what to do I am on disability from a car accident so I can't sit here long enough to get help from the posts, can you help me? I am guessing my primary is not going to have a clue?

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      1. I'm sorry to hear - it reminds me of my initial months after injury when I had the worst sore throat pain only on the left side. I used a lot of Advil and organic honey cough drops back then. Also, the viscous lidocaine 2% may help (temporary numbing)

        Correct, your primary probably will not have a clue. Even your neurologist may not be familiar, and you might have to find a different one for this injury, and an orofacial pain doc. For me it took a few tries. Even now they look at me in disbelief when I tell them this all started with a dentist appt over 4 years ago. Like I would make this up?!

        All of us usually go back to the physician we saw who first created the pain. With a few exceptions, that usually is a dead end, but you may get lucky.

        Tranxene is a similar class of drug to clonazepan (Klonopin) which can help with burning tongue if you let the wafer disolve on your tongue. It's typically RX'ed for panic attacks. I don't know how Tranxene is dispensed (pill or disolvable wafer?) or whether Klonopin would give you the same benefits, but if so, you could ask your Dr. to switch your RX and see if it would help both. Take at night before bed to help sleep if you're in pain. Remember though benzos are highly addictive and from what I hear, a nightmare to get off of.

        I'm not a Dr., though, so always check with your physician!

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    99. Wow, Jane hello again, I have to reply to this, I really thought I was alone about the burning throat thing! I had a extraction #31 lower right around a year ago and a week after that work I got a intense burning throat on same side, it hurt so freakin bad that I got tested for mono and strep, no to both, tried 3 antibiotics, no relief, whet to a ENT and he thought it may be thrush, did antifungal, no relief, then he said well lets put you on Omeprazole (prilosec) that this may be a result of acid reflux going up to my throat...no relief after a month on that. I even missed work because it burned so bad I cried. The pain was right behind my right tonsil, not on the tonsil but the skin behind it, I got a dental mirror to reach back there to see if there was a cut or ulcer, nothing there but it felt like a slice down my throat. I burned a total of 9 weeks. The 7th week it FINALLY started to subside slowly very slowely, every now and then I will get that burning but thankfully its off and on and only last few hours 3 times a month. I even got a dehumidifier and air purifier for my home thinking it was something in my air. Well at least I wasnt alone on this issue too! Dang, people just dont realize how much dental work can really effect us. The human nerves are so sensitive to any change in our mouths. Our nerves just dont like anyone messing with them, they get majorly pissed if anything touches them. Any when they get pissed MAN do they hold a grudge.

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      1. Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me about the Prilosec, Serea! The Dr told me the burning throat was acid reflux. I said 'No it's not, I had that when I was pregnant, this was different' And just got that condescending, doubtful look as they sent me on my way. USELESS. Doctors are completely useless!

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    100. Hello everyone, I just came back from the dentist. The purpose of my visit was to remove a cavity. When the dentist was injecting me with the anesthetic, I felt this surge of pain. It was like an electric shock through my teeth/mouth. I've had many injections before and NONE of them felt like this. I asked the attendant and she said that it was my nerve. That the numbness would be quick. I'm really concerned because I don't want any damage to my nerves.

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    101. It's been 8 years. Today is bad. most days I can deal with it. Strong mints help and a few drinks in the evening. I still don't know what triggers flare ups. Life long journey. Cause was wisdom teeth removal.

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      1. It has been 5 years that I have been dealing with this pain....I have been on every medication - none work - side effects - always make me stop the meds. I am on oxycodone now - 4 tablets a day - the pain is constant 24/7 - not sure how much longer I can go on....I went back to the original Oral Surgeon who started this hell I am in - he would admit nothing - just said I would heal.

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    102. I forgot to mention that they offered to repair it with 50 per cent chance of it working and the other half of complete and total loss of sensation. No thankyou. Stick it. This way I can still eat and talk!

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    103. Unlike most, I believe my dentist injured me intentionally because I inadvertently violated one of his Vietnamese customs. I live in CA and wonder a couple of things:

      Is there a private investigator who can find out the number of other incidents involving this dentist?

      Could a list be started naming dentists who have more than one such victim? How do the libel laws in various states play into this?

      I hope that if we pull on this thread, this scandalous scourge will begin to unravel.

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    104. Part 1 I will post my comments in several segments as it will not let me do it any otjer way...


      I have had nerve damage to my lingual nerve since 1983. Much like yourself, I diagnosed it myself over the years. It was brought on by extraction of my wisdom teeth and as I have learned over the years because of the injections most likely. I was put out at the time and have no memory of what happened but have been in pain ever since and sorry to say, it has never gotten better but actually got worse after a series of car accidents I was in. My symptons are a chronic throbbing pain in my rear right bottom right tooth. A pulling and swollen feeling in my right lower lip, cheek and ear that can cause twitching in my right side, lower right lip if I do not control it. Immediately after the procedure I sought help both legally and medically. No dentist would testify against another and no other medical professional would properly diagnose the problem. My lawyer thought I was even making the while thing up until the same thing happened to him after having his wisdom tooth pulled.

      Over there years, they diagnosed it mostly as TMJ and it was later on one neurologist diagosed it as Trigeminal Neuralgia. After this diagnosis, I kept investigating and researching the nervous system in my face and have traced the pain. I eventually diagnosed the pain to most definitely be lingual neuropathic pain. In the past, I have been treated by physical therapists, TMJ specialists, oral surgeons, neurologists, clinical psychologists and acupuncturists. I even went to the extent of getting a root canal done and ruining a perfectly good tooth after I was told there could be a hairline crack in my tooth which X-rays may have been unable to detect. When the root canal failed, I considered having the tooth pulled but was told that the pain would likely move down to the next tooth.

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    105. Part 2I was denied social security disability years ago and it has effected me my entire life. I started my own business in 1989 because I was unable to hold down a full time job except for jobs where I made my own hours and worked around the pain. I feel this condition has held me back my whole life.

      It wasn't until more recent years where I had been beginning to learn about that this condition was common among many people who had wisdom teeth removed.

      The TMJ specialists gave me injections that seem to provide slight relief. That was years ago and for years I just stopped talking about my pain because people thoughtI was making it up or imagining it. It has effected every aspect of my life. The only other treatments that gave me some relief were the acupuncture years ago which initially gave me the most relief but I immediately became immune to the help of the treatments like most other things I tried. Also, the clinical psychologists helped me realize that relaxation and meditation can help. They did this through the use of biorhythms. Yet, I have found no cure and have learned that surgery can be quite dangerous and cause other problems. I also read that surgery usually does not help and makes matters worse unless you get it within 6 months of the dental procedure that caused the neuropathic lingual pain.

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    106. Part 3. Over the years, I was prescribed different antidepressants, muscle relaxers and pain-killers. For years, I just stopped all the medicines and seeing professionals after not getting better and getting tired of going from doctor's office to doctor's office. I lived most of my life in pain and I am now 53 years old. Finally, after being treated with different painkillers and muscle relaxants over the years for other problems that popped up (fractured ribs, degenerative discs, stomach problems), I decided I could not live the rest of my life always in pain 24/7. I began taking vicoprofen about 3 years ago and eventually added oxycodone and Somas. I now try and take a mixture of the 3 at least 3 times a day. This would not be possible if I held down a regular job. I incorporate meditation in with the drugs and I could care less about what the critics say about taking these drugs. The critics have not lived 30 years with chronic pain. That is where I am at now. I also stopped working completely and don't know if I am able to get any kind of benefits though. It is amazing I was able to get by all these years on my own. I am at a point in my life where I may go back to see and talk to surgeons and re-examine the possibility of surgery now that I am certain it is neuropathic lingual pain. There comes a point in your life where you say enough is enough but the system has been stacked against me for finding a cure to my problem. I don't even remember who the dentist was anymore that ruined my life but I can only imagine how many other lives he and others have ruined and will continue to do so until this problem is brought out and discussed in the public.

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    107. Hi, I had some dental work last week, and I have had a tingly right side of the tongue now for 6 days. I am sure hoping that this does not last for 6 months like most of the reports I have read. Has anyone got a good news story where the tingly numb sensation has lasted for only a week or two?

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    108. My B.M.S. began the day after getting a cosmetic filler and had oral injections to numb the area. I'd had the fillers a few times before with no problems, so I rule out allergy. One of the injections nearly lifted me out of the chair, it was so painful.I just know it was that which caused the B.M.S. Mine presented with terrible "pins and needles" in all corners of my mouth and tongue which was so profound, it felt like burning. The dryness in my mouth was horrendous because it wasn't helped by drinking. I could sleep, and for about an hour after I woke up, it was okay. Then, the burning would start, go on throughout the day and usually stop just before bedtime. I also couldn't taste food. I could only drink apple juice, apricot juice, and a home made concoction of celery, apples and carrot. These are all low acidic drinks. I had to stop taking aspirin and Lipitor for my heart condition because of their acid content. Vitamin B supplements made it much worse. I wanted to kill myself because my life was so miserable! After spending thousands of dollars visiting ear nose and throat and oral specialists who had all never heard of it, I visited a psychiatrist for something to help me with the anxiety. He had heard of the syndrome via other patients and prescribed me benzodiazophines which he said would help.I did not take them as I'd found a couple of articles on the internet about alpha lipoic acid, written by fellow BMS sufferers and who had both found it very helpful.(a.l.a repairs peripheral nerve damage). I chose that route because it does not cause addiction and is very safe. I took 600 mgs each day and started to notice a difference after 2 weeks. Gradually, over a few weeks, the burning got less and less and now is gone. Now, I am very nervous about any oral injections. I am due to have sinus augmentation on both sides of my upper jaw. If I cannot be guaranteed freedom from nerve damage, I am not having the treatment. I'd rather have missing teeth than suffer the bms nightmare again. My thoughts are with anyone suffering this condition.

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    109. I had two wisdom teeth pulled a month ago and I felt a searing pain in my tongue during the shot. Now my tongue is burning and partially numb and I have a pulling, dry feeling underneath the tongue. I don't taste things as well and my teeth feel really sharp against my tongue. I accidently bite it from time to time which I had never done previously. I can't use most toothpastes with mint or salt in them or have hot foods because it hurts.

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    110. I have the same thing with tingling tongue and teeth feel sharp. I got a DenTec custom comfort dental guard today and it helps protect my tongue and I feel better. Not as much tingling and dryness too. Best I've felt for the 6 weeks since having wisdom teeth pulled.

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    111. Hello...its been 3 weeks sence the root canal was done and still not finished. He FUCKED my lingual nerve. My tongue is swollen,tingly, and I cant control it....it spasms non stop. I cant talk well at all now...if im stuck like this I better be able to sue him...if I cant then im gonna stomp this guy in the ground...i am so pissed

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    112. 8-7-13 I had a root canal that was not needed! Then I convinced the Dentist that ther was a piece of bone or tooth in my gum line under the tooth he had me get a root canal on. The Endodonist that performed my root canal killed me. She drilled me like she was working on a 57 Chevy bumper. Then she said I did not need antibiotics which I had a major infection. 5 days later she prscribed the antibiotics. Then another week and i an=m still in major pain! I feel inside my mouth and in my gum line I feel a point. I go to my dentist and show him! He finally agrees that Oh there is somethingin my gum line! It turns out it was an inch long piece of tooth that was in there since I had my wisom teeth extracted 39 years ago. Yes my Dentist hit THe nerve and my toungue has been on fire for 9 days now! Same answer that I am hearing from others, give it time it may get better! I aready suffer form major joint pain and now this. Like everyone else has stated I am glad to know the root cause.

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    113. I have this same nerve issue and I noticed that one or maybe some of the readers are trying without planning several treatment and medicines. One specifically have been using various non-depressant and effect conflicting pain killers.

      The funny thing is that I want admit that I might have done more than those people mentioned here.

      I have the same problem and I talk to myself most of the time, scream at the mirror cause I cannot find a solution.

      Again I must say that my situation might be a bit better than some of you, but it still decreases the quality of life; if there is any remaining quality at all.
      It is depressing yes, but I can walk and live and work sometime; I lost already my main job cause this happens me almost one year now and have been trying first to find out what is the problem, but the time I found out; it was already too later and I have been searching now for the treatment like all of you as the doctors are not able to think of something here.

      So, for those using a mix of treatment beware that it would cause you more troubles than treatment such as the guy who has been using gabapentin and zolam families.

      Apart from the above and also asking you if anyone found a better solution; a month ago I tried cortisone through dexazone tablets and it had a good minor effect only for a month. But then the pain and the tingling came back.

      Hassan

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    114. Hi All
      on Sept 2012 I went to the dentist for a filling and when he did my injection I got a shock sensation and when he sat me up in the chair to let me numb up the whole left side of my face was paralyzed I couldnt shut my eye for a day and a half. two days after the injection my face started returning to normal but then my face started twitching. I am still twitching to this day. I have had MRI's CT scans and EMG nerve testing I have HFS (hemifacial Spasms) and currently under the care of a neurologist at the Mayo CLinic because my HFS is so abnormal. Has anybody ever had this happen to them.. Oh and I have a constant headache I have been an anti seizure meds for the twitching take a 800 ibu everyday and have pain behind my ear Lovely huh.

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    115. eight years ago I went to a new dentist he wanted my upper left wisdom tooth pulled so I thought ok he said it had a cavity as well. He injected me several times and remember how that hurt and then after he left I felt part of my tongue swell up with bumps on it and I was having difficulty seeing the wall. The nurse said it would go away but I could see her expression of her face. He pulled my tooth took two time and sent me home. I was in so much pain and not sure what to do. I went back to get pain pills from him and antibiotics.. got several sinus infections was telling him how much pain and the family doctor 3 months later with steroids to stop the pain. The dentist had me back in and noticed a dry socket he poked it and gave me another sinus infection. To this day I have severe headaches on that side face swells up around ear and behind and pain all the way up my face under the eye and head pain throbbing severely. I miss work lay with ice packs to rubbing my head the most awful pain ever and then to top it off get them the next day. My tongue swells so I take benedryl as I have food allergies and perfume and pills allergies on top of all of this. They use to be bad when I would get my period the whole week. I went to neurologist they put me on beta blockers and anti depressants nothing worked.. I have such pain that I want to pull my hair out or just wish this would be it. I wont hurt myself I deal with it. But I curse the dentist who suddenly isn't there anymore. Every doctor says oh it is muscles and your tense or stressed out sure I am wouldn't you be? my neck hurts as well when I sleep I feel the pain and try to avoid it I cannot stand it anymore nowhere to turn no insurance so hard to see anyone special. No one can understand it unless they have this.. What is one to do I have had them for 3 days now when I am pain free for even a few hours it is a good day. I am 51 now and don't want to live this way no one knows what to do.

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    116. Its only been 2 weeks since I got my fillings on my lower left side and im still in pain. My teeth on that side are sensitive, but I feel like the pain is more in my jaw. I can feel it from my ear around my whole side jaw line. It doesn't feel like it's burning, but the pain is so bad I can't sleep right at night. What makes me think its this same condition is that when they gave me the shoe in the back of my mouth I felt a shock in the front of my face. I had fillings before this and this has never happened. I'm afraid that it will never go away now because the pain has changed in the slightest. Advil and meds like it aren't working as much and I don't want to end up over dosing. I hope this doesn't end up ruining me. I feel like this is sorta like waterborting except a little more painful.

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    117. I believe I have Lingual Nerve damage with severe migraine headaches.

      I saw a doctor about a week after oral surgery when the migraine headaches started. The doctor said this is from the needle injected into the nerve but typically only lasts a day, mine has been over a week.

      After stumbling upon this Blogpost I believe I have Lingual Nerve damage which is total Life Alteration.

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    118. Hi
      Had wisdom teeth removed 2.5 weeks ago and have since experienced the burning tongue, numb left side and taste effected on left side, initially the tongue was burning all over and now that has improved but still have numbness and impaired taste. The burning does return at times but not the intense pain all day. I started taking magnesium tablets and vitamin B 3 days ago and have noticed improvement since then, not sure if I have been more fortunate than others or if the supplements are helping. I am posting this as I understand the intense pain is so distressing and if it can offer others some thing to try, would be interested if anyone else has tried magnesium supplements?

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    119. Hi,
      I had a molar removed because it had a large filling in it and the tooth around it had broken off so the dentist had to remove it in 2 halves. When I was still in pain after weeks, My doctor sent me for a xray which showed tooth which was still under the gum the dentist then had to cut the gum open to take the piece of tooth out. I am still in constant pain 4 years later, I also felt a constant burning sensation in my tounge like my teeth were rubbing against it and the area around where the tooth was feels inflamed and sore even though there is no physical evidence of this. I have been to 2 oral surgeons and a pain specialist who have prescribed anti-convulsants and antidepressants some help some don't but nothing completely takes the pain away. I really don't know how much more I can take, at the moment the pain is really bad and nothing seems to help.

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    120. Have had burning tongue for 14 yrs. It feels it's left sided mostly, but like today it just hurts and burns on my tongue. It has been so long a time, I don' remember if I had dental work prior to my bms. I do remember a lot of stress. So, just some input from someone who has been suffering a long time.

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    121. Hi Jane & hi to all other sufferers of this horrible lingual nerve injury,
      I'm writing from Germany and I'm following your post since quite awhile already, so now I want to post also my story. I was 30 years old when the dentist, who destroyed my life, hit my tongue in June 2011 (2 years and 4 months ago) during a normal filling procedure. After that I had for around a 3/4 year a numb tongue. When I touched the right side of my tongue I didn't had any feelings at all. But during this time I had various other sensations on my tongue, like: burning, feeling of sandpaper, pain. The dentist told me it would take awhile to recover. So I waited and dealed with this kind of strange sensations. I told myself, that this sensations are part of the healing process. At the beginning of 2012 (3/4 year later) the feeling of tongue came very slowly back. But still today I suffer of this injury. The right side of my tongue still feels discomfortable and like it has less muscular, weaker than the other side. As a result I have swallowing problems, because I believe that the nerv injury caused also deglutition problems. But the funny part is, that there are days where the tongue, swallowing and everything feels like normal as this thing never happened before. And then there are days again which are like a living hell. It's really like a roller coaster and I don't understand why? I don't understand why are there good days, and what can I do that these bad days don't come back? Is my tongue still healing or is this now the end of the healing? The worse part is, that no one can help me or give me an answer. I have consulted millions of different doctors and specialist (GP, Throat doctors, oral surgeries, speech therapist, osteopath, ...) and it seems no one knows what to do. The only thing what helps me abit is chewing gum and when it's very bad I use this plastic thing to pop over the lower teeth (sorry don't know the English word). I could live with all these discomfort, but somehow it also causes now psychic effect (dizziness, depression, anxiety disorder), possible due to the mental stress. And this somethings what really destroys my life now. But I still have hope that one day everything will get like nomal before (I hope this is not an illution).

      If someone of you want to reply, it would be nice, if you could tell me your experience of:
      - Did the feeling of your tongue came back after a certain of time, but you still feel discomfort?
      - Do you feel like your tongue is paralysis or weaker than the other side?
      - Do you have problems swallowing?
      - Do you have an idea why some days are good and then bad again? Why is it like that? Why when the nerve is "supposingly" recovered it's still sometimes so bad?

      Thanks, and good luck to all of us.

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    122. I am now laying n my bed in extreme pain from the dentist yesterday. Ive never felt anything like this. I had a simple 2 fillings on lower left back 2 teeth. The secon Novocain shot I was given felt as if the needle was extremky long and like it went all thr way into my ear and throat. I knew the needle did not travel tht far so figured it wad just the medication but I did tell her and it was painful as well. She just said hmmm, I dnt know, u'll b fine. The dentist begins drilling on tooth and it hurts so he stops and I tell him my tooth isn't numb, my throat and face were extremely numb but NT my tooth. He acts as if I am over reacting and imagining the pain but injects me 2 more times to "humor" me. I'm then so numb I can't control my mouth, tongue keeps falling out my mouth lol. And my throat felt as if it were closing up and kept telling him I couldn't breath thru my nose. He said yes u can, u just think u cant. Look, I kno when I can breath! Now the pain in my ear, throat, jaw r horrible. Ive never had such pain for just a filling! What's worse is when the dentist makes it seem as if you're overreacting. I am not scared of the dentist but I could see how u could be. I'm praying this goes away soon

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    123. I don't know if this is lingual nerve damage or not. But a month ago I went to the dentist for alot of work. She did work on ALL of the teeth on my left side, both tops and bottoms, from incisor to molar. At one point the hygenist was working on my premolar and it wasn't numb enough. She administered some sort of numbing agent. I mentioned this to the dentist nonchalantly, (since I thought it was normal), the dentist seemed shocked. Well, now my top lip on the left side is numb. It WAS paralyzed too, but I seem to have regained almost complete control, except for the very corner of my mouth. I drool a bit, and can't smooth my lipstick with my lips pressing together. I can't seem to figure out what muscle is still a bit paralyzed. My dentist gave me a round of steroids and antibiotics. That brought the swelling in my face down alot, and released the paralysis. I am still numb. Thankfully I am not in pain, unless you count the headache, earache, and bruised feeling in my face. But nothing sharp like some people above have mentioned.

      I am hopeful that this will heal completely. I am afraid to go back and have other work done, because I don't want to risk it again. But I have so much work that needs to be done, or I will get sick from infection.

      Have any of you ever gone back and gotten more work done??

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    124. Hi Jane, thank you so much for having this blog. My heart goes out to all of you out there who are in this much pain. I feel my story about the damage to my inerior alveolar nerve is insignificant in comparison with LNI but as they are related, I was wondering if there are any sites (other than sciental.net, which seems to have been closed down) for those of us with the other nerve problem. My chin, teeth, and lip feel like they are being permanently clamped with a pair of pliers connected to an electric socket and the burning is really frustrating. Thank you!

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    125. Hi, I had a molar on my bottom left that had a piece break off. I went to the dentist a couple weeks ago to get it fixed. The dentist injected me and as he changed the angle of the needle I could tell he hit the nerve as it sent a tingling line of pain up the left side of my tongue. As he moved it again the pain went away. He hit it again for a split second. After the numbness wore off the rest of my face, the numbness of my tongue on that side remained. It seemed to get better after a few days but hasn't changed since then. I'm still hoping this is temporary. I still have a tingling in a few spots mostly at the left tip of my tongue. Food doesn't taste the same on that side and some foods (spicy) cause pain. Thanks for this blog. I was hoping there was a cure but it looks like only time will tell if it's going to get better or worse. Thanks again

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