Nerve Injuries That May Result From Dental Malpractice

Dental procedures, particularly those involving oral surgery, may cause nerve damage as a result of surgical errors.. Nerve damage may be caused by a range of errors, such as improper extractions or negligent placement of dental implants. Such injuries can profoundly affect a patient’s quality of life, leading to physical pain, significant functional impairments and emotional distress. 

Damage might be done to one of these primary nerves in the jaw:

• Inferior alveolar nerve — The IAN is a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the lower teeth, gums, lower lip and chin. When this nerve is injured during procedures such as dental implant placement, lower wisdom tooth extractions or root canal therapy, patients can experience painful numbness or a tingling sensation in these areas. In more severe cases, the injury may result in a complete loss of sensation, which can negatively impact everyday functions like speaking and eating. This type of nerve trauma can also lead to chronic pain, creating a long-term impact. Even a slight deviation during an extraction or implant placement may inadvertently harm the inferior alveolar nerve, illustrating the delicate balance required during dental surgeries.

• Lingual nerve — The lingual nerve is a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the tongue, gums and floor of the mouth plus the ability to taste to the tongue. A lingual nerve’s injury can manifest itself as pain, numbness, altered sense of taste and painful burning sensations. These symptoms can complicate simple yet essential functions such as chewing and tasting food, which in turn affects the patient’s overall well-being. Dental malpractice cases often cite injuries to the lingual nerve as a consequence of improper surgical techniques. The ensuing sensory deficits not only cause pain and discomfort but may also lead to social and psychological challenges for those affected.

• Mental nerve — The mental nerve is a sensory nerve that branches up off the IAN near your front teeth. This nerve plays a vital role in providing sensation to the lower lip and gums. Even though it has a relatively small area of distribution, an injury to the mental nerve can lead to painful symptoms such as persistent numbness or tingling. These symptoms may seem minor initially, but they can become a significant source of pain and discomfort, particularly when they interfere with facial expressions and communication. Painful numbness in the lower lip, chin and gums can alter a patient’s ability to perform routine tasks, impacting both personal and professional interactions.

When nerve injuries occur as a result of dental malpractice, patients often face not only physical and sensory impairments but also financial hardships related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potential lost wages. In these situations, seeking monetary compensation becomes a critical step in mitigating the long-term consequences of such injuries. 

Rich & Rich, P.C., a highly respected New York dental nerve injury law firm, has extensive experience helping victims of dental nerve injury recover the compensation they deserve for their pain, suffering and financial losses. We have offices in midtown Manhattan and Roslyn Heights, Long Island. Please call 917-746-3358 or contact us online for a free consultation.