Paresthesia, alternately spelled paraesthesia, is a condition where there is numbness or often a tingling sensation in a body part. Most people have felt it. Think of a time when you fell asleep with your arm at a weird angle and when you wake up, you have a pins and needles sensation along your arm. People also refer to it as a body part "falling asleep". It can be caused by any number of things, from alcoholism to vitamin B12 deficiency, from dehydration to migraines.
In dentistry paresthesia is a condition where there is numbness along the jaw. This is one significant risk involved with tooth extractions. Wisdom tooth extraction in particular can be a problem. Oftentimes a wisdom tooth will not come into the mouth as the rest of the teeth do. A horizontally impacted wisdom tooth doesn't actually erupt into the mouth but comes in sideways and presses up against other teeth. It's proximity to the nerves makes the situation problematic because damage to the nerve will cause paraesthesia.
Paresthesia caused by a tooth extraction is uncommon and in most instances, temporary. Sometimes the condition can last for several months but will fade away. In very rare instance the condition is permanent. There are surgeries that can be done to help repair the damaged nerve if necessary. The condition can also be caused by a problem with the dental anaesthetic. Lidocaine poisoning is one of the possible causes of paraesthesia. Again it is important to state that these instance are exceedingly rare and should not keep a patient from getting any necessary dental treatment.
If you would like to learn more about dental paresthesia and would like to speak with an Atlanta dentist please consider the Atlanta Dental Group PC. The Atlanta dental team has over 45 years combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like to schedule a free dental consultation with one of our Atlanta dentists or with Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428 to make an appointment.