I have been told I have a lingual nerve injury. What is this?

If you’ve been informed that you have a lingual nerve injury, it’s important to understand what this entails. A lingual nerve injury involves damage to a nerve that runs along the base of your mouth. This type of injury can occur during dental procedures and may have various effects on sensation and pain. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of lingual nerve injuries, their causes, symptoms, and potential legal recourse.

Understanding Lingual Nerve

What is the Lingual Nerve?

The lingual nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve, responsible for transmitting sensory information from the tongue and the floor of the mouth to the brain. It plays a crucial role in allowing us to taste and feel sensations in this area of the mouth.

Causes of Lingual Nerve Injuries

Dental Procedures and Injury Causes

Lingual nerve injuries often occur during dental procedures. These injuries can happen due to various reasons:

1. Anesthesia Administration

Improper administration of anesthesia, especially during procedures involving the lower jaw or wisdom teeth, can lead to nerve damage. Injection into or near the lingual nerve can cause trauma, resulting in injury.

2. Surgical Trauma

Dental surgeries, such as tooth extractions, dental implant placements, or root canals, involve manipulating the tissues around the lingual nerve. If not performed with utmost precision, these procedures can inadvertently injure the nerve.

Symptoms and Outcomes

Recognizing Lingual Nerve Injury Symptoms

One of the distinctive signs of a lingual nerve injury is experiencing a sudden and intense flash of pain during a dental procedure. This pain can be accompanied by:

Numbness

Following the initial intense pain, numbness or loss of sensation can occur in parts of the tongue or mouth.

Altered Taste

In some cases, alterations in taste sensation may develop due to the injury affecting the nerve’s role in transmitting taste signals.

Persistent Pain or Numbness

While the pain might subside for many, there are instances where the numbness persists, or individuals continue to experience pain in the affected area.

Legal Recourse

Seeking Compensation for Lingual Nerve Injuries

If you’ve sustained a lingual nerve injury due to dental negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Your legal options may include:

1. Medical Expenses

Compensation for medical bills, including treatments, surgeries, therapies, and follow-up care.

2. Pain and Suffering

Fair compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.

3. Loss of Quality of Life

Compensation for any reduced quality of life resulting from persistent pain, numbness, or altered sensations.

4. Legal Assistance

Consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in dental malpractice can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process to seek appropriate compensation.

Conclusion

Understanding Lingual Nerve Injuries

A lingual nerve injury can have significant implications on your oral health and overall well-being. If you’ve experienced such an injury due to dental procedures, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms, understand potential outcomes, and explore your legal options for seeking compensation.