Dental Malpractice Attorneys Fighting for Victims of Lingual Nerve Injury

Lingual nerve injury primarily affects sensation of the tongue because the lingual nerve is the primary nerve that provides sensation and other functions to the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It is part of the trigeminal nerve system.

Generally, the lingual nerve runs along the inside of the lower jaw (the mandible). It is separated from the teeth and tongue by a thin layer of bone – the area of the jaw known as the lingual cortical plate.

The lingual nerve and its nearby mate, the chorda typmani, both provide sensation to the tongue. Both are involved in taste sensation, though the lingual nerve is more often injured. These are sensory nerves. They do not control your ability to move the tongue.

Symptoms of Lingual Nerve Injury

Symptoms sometimes experienced after an injury to the lingual nerve include the following:

• Numbness of the tongue;
• Loss of taste;
• Altered taste;
• A tingling sensation in the tongue;
• Impaired speech or difficulty in speaking;
• Pain or burning sensation in the tongue; or
• Drooling.

What Causes Lingual Nerve Injuries?

Injuries to the lingual nerve that are related to dental work are generally caused during extractions of wisdom teeth, lower jaw surgery, procedures involving the larynx or salivary glands, or removal of oral tumors. If this nerve is injured by a dental professional who has not observed standard procedures, it could be the basis for a dental malpractice lawsuit.

Why Is My Tongue Numb After Tooth Extraction?

Lingual nerves can be severed or damaged when dentists, oral surgeons, or other dental professionals fail to use proper techniques during dental procedures, especially during extraction of wisdom teeth or other mandibular molars. Many people have experienced numbness when the dentist administers an injection to numb the area for the procedure. However, if your tongue remains numb for a prolonged period after a dental procedure, there may be something wrong with your lingual nerve.

Why Do I Need an Attorney Experienced in Lingual Nerve Injury Cases?

Our legal team regularly handles dental malpractice cases and brings extensive experience with both the particularities of Lingual nerve and other dental injuries and the unique laws and requirements that relate to malpractice cases. We are well versed in both researching and presenting the evidence of dental malpractice and the legal aspects of proving it.

Wallace Wason, PLLC represents patients who have suffered permanent injuries to their Lingual nerve as a result of negligence by a dentist, periodontist, oral surgeon or other dental professional. We have a history of bringing negligent professionals to account for their wrongful actions.

Contact us at (703) 420-3725 right away to schedule a free legal consultation and get the assistance you need to protect your rights and receive the maximum compensation and justice that you deserve.