Did Dental Work Leave You With Nerve Damage?
Numbness, burning, or loss of sensation after a dental procedure may be malpractice. Our New York nerve damage lawyers have 50+ years of experience holding negligent dentists accountable.
50+ Years Combined Experience | Free Consultation | No Fee Unless You Win | New York Licensed
While it makes sense for us to expect our dentists and other medical professionals to prioritize our safety and not make our existing symptoms or conditions worse, sometimes, unfortunately, dentists and orthodontists make mistakes. One of the most common reasons why patients file dental malpractice claims is because of nerve damage as a result of a botched surgery or even a routine procedure.
Nerve damage can be long-lasting and permanent and may even have an impact on the way you live your life. If you or a loved one has been injured by your dental professional, you can rely on Chianese & Reilly Law to handle your case with the professionalism and respect it deserves.
How Does Nerve Damage Happen?
There are two main nerves in the mouth that can be damaged by dentists as a result of improper or inadequate techniques: the lingual nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve.
Common dental techniques and procedures that can cause nerve damage include:
- Dental implants: In order to receive dental implants, holes must be drilled into the jaw during the fitting process. Nerve damage can occur if the dentist drills too far. Additionally, nerve damage can also result if the implant is too long and presses on the tooth nerve when it’s placed.
- Root canal treatment: To treat teeth that are infected or damaged, dentists have to remove the nerve and pulp before they clean away bacteria and seal it to prevent any further infection. However, this treatment can cause nerve damage if there is trauma during the procedure, or if the solution reaches other parts of the mouth or jaw.
- Tooth extraction: Tooth extractions can sometimes lead to nerve damage, especially when removing impacted wisdom teeth or teeth near major nerves in the jaw. Nerve injuries may occur if excessive force is used during the procedure, if surgical instruments come into contact with the nerve, or if surrounding tissue is damaged. In some cases, patients may experience numbness, tingling, pain, or loss of sensation in the lips, tongue, chin, or gums following the extraction.
- Local anesthetic injections: A direct needle injury to a nerve, or injection into the nerve sheath, can cause prolonged or permanent altered sensation.
- Oral surgery and biopsies: Surgical trauma in close proximity to major nerves without proper pre-operative imaging can constitute negligent care.
While some routine dental procedures result in adverse side effects that last for hours or days and are to be expected, it is when the symptoms are long-term that you may learn you’ve suffered serious damage and need to file a claim.
Nerve damage can make it difficult to eat, drink, or speak normally, impact your ability to taste, and interfere with oral function abilities. These injuries can not only be painful but change the way you live the rest of your life. We rely on our oral functions for just about everything, including for consuming sustenance to keep us alive.
Common Nerve Injuries
It’s important to be aware of the two main types of nerve injuries and the symptoms associated with them so you can determine whether you’ve suffered nerve damage. If you have experienced prolonged pain or numbness following your routine procedure or surgery, you must seek treatment immediately. Some symptoms that seem minor could worsen if left untreated.
| Nerve | Location | Common Cause | Typical Symptoms |
| Inferior Alveolar | Below lower teeth through jawbone | Dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, root canals | Numbness in lower lip, chin, teeth & gums; electric-shock sensations; drooling |
| Lingual Nerve | Along the tongue | Wisdom tooth extractions, lower jaw surgery | Numbness or tingling in tongue; altered/lost taste; speech difficulty |
| Mental Nerve | Exits the jaw near the chin | Implant placement, front tooth extractions | Numbness in chin and lower lip |
| Infraorbital | Below the eye, upper jaw | Upper jaw surgery, maxillary implants | Numbness in upper lip, cheek, and teeth |
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injuries
The inferior alveolar nerve runs below the bottom teeth and is also responsible for creating sensations in your chin, lower lip, and lower teeth and gums. These injuries can occur as the result of wisdom teeth removal, placement of dental implants, or an overfilled tooth during a root canal procedure.
Common symptoms associated with this type of nerve damage include:
- Drooling
- Pain, burning, or electric shock sensations in the gums, lip, and chin
- Numbness in the gums, lip, and chin
- Speech impairment
Lingual Nerve Injuries
The lingual nerve runs across the tongue, which means that any damage to it can cause lost taste sensations, altered mouth sensations, pain, and numbness in the tongue. Wisdom teeth extractions can cause this type of injury.
Mental Nerve Injuries
The mental nerve exits the jawbone near the chin and supplies sensation to the chin and lower lip. Dental implant placement in the front lower jaw and tooth extractions in that area can injure this nerve, causing numbness or tingling in the chin and lower lip.
Infraorbital Nerve Injuries
The infraorbital nerve runs below the eye and supplies sensation to the upper lip, cheek, and upper teeth. It can be damaged during upper jaw surgery or maxillary implant placement, resulting in numbness across the mid-face.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
A successful dental nerve damage claim in New York can recover:
- Medical expenses — Past and future costs for specialist visits, nerve repair surgery, physical therapy, and pain management
- Lost wages — Income lost while recovering or due to permanent disability
- Pain and suffering — Compensation for chronic pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
Loss of enjoyment of life — Damages for activities you can no longer enjoy due to the injury.
Nerve Damage FAQs
Can I Sue My Dentist for Nerve Damage?
The short answer is yes. If you suffer from nerve damage after getting dental work as long as you can prove medical negligence for the nerve damage.
What is the statute of limitations for dental malpractice in New York?
New York’s statute of limitations for dental malpractice is 2 years and 6 months from the date the malpractice occurred, or from the end of continuous treatment by the same practitioner. Waiting too long will bar your claim. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Is dental nerve damage always permanent?
Not always. Mild nerve compression (neuropraxia) often resolves within weeks to months. More serious injuries — where the nerve is stretched or severed — may result in long-term or permanent numbness, chronic pain, or loss of taste. Early specialist evaluation is critical.
How do I prove my nerve damage was caused by dental negligence?
Key evidence includes pre- and post-operative radiographs (especially CBCT/cone-beam scans), dental treatment records, and expert testimony from a qualified oral surgeon. Our attorneys know exactly what to gather and how to present it.
How much compensation can I recover for dental nerve damage?
The value depends on injury severity, permanence, and impact on daily life. Recoverable
damages include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Contact us for a free evaluation of your specific case.
Do I need to pay upfront for a dental malpractice attorney?
No. Chianese & Reilly Law handles dental malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free.