Still numb after 2 years - what do

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paul64
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:02 am

Still numb after 2 years - what do

#1 Post by paul64 »

Wondering what to watch out for now that it's pretty clear the sensation in my lower jaw won't return.
- What to ask my surgeon
- Any chance things could get worse
- Any action I can take to improve things

I'm 22 months past my surgery date and not much feeling has returned to my lower jaw. My bite is fixed & it's looks great so it's a mixed blessing I guess. The left side is worse, there's a dead spot on my chin on the left side. It doesn't bother me THAT much but I find I have to focus when speaking or I'll slur, especially when tired or drinking.

I'm resigned to it - no choice - but wondering what to do at this stage. I'm guessing "nothing" but worth reaching out to leverage the expertise on this forum.

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Nozzelnut
Posts: 656
Joined: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:34 pm
Location: Rochester, NY

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#2 Post by Nozzelnut »

FWIW I was in a similar spot with about the same recovery time. Physically stretching my lower lip with my fingers and touching/massaging the numb area to give it a sensation to feel may have helped. Could have just been the additional healing time. The sensation in my chin and lower lip is still improving even after a few years. So don't give up quite yet.

ETA Some folks say acupuncture helps too; but I didn't try it.
Round 3 (lifetime) Damon stainless applied 3/16/20 (after 4 weeks attempting invisalign) On for about 18 months
Night time elastics with invisalign retainers; still...
Double jaw surgery was 6/18/15...
Orthodontics never really ends...
I'm emphatically against extraction orthodontics!

paul64
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:02 am

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#3 Post by paul64 »

Thanks for the response, yes I too hope for incremental improvement over time.

I would be wrong for me not to point out acupuncture is a placebo though.

paul64
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:02 am

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#4 Post by paul64 »

Sorry let me restate that since it's not clear. Acupuncture is a placebo. No one should waste their money on fake medicine.

bmay2
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 12:50 pm

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#5 Post by bmay2 »

How old were you when you had the procedure?

paul64
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:02 am

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#6 Post by paul64 »

52. I'm in great shape but I'm sure younger people heal faster/better.

snapdresser
Posts: 996
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 7:31 am

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#7 Post by snapdresser »

Nothing you can do that I know of. But you can stay apprised of any nerve regeneration studies and maybe one will come down the pipes that you qualify for and can sign up for.
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paul64
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2019 7:02 am

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#8 Post by paul64 »

Appreciate the feedback on what to do.

Any chance this will get worse not better?

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Nozzelnut
Posts: 656
Joined: Sun Jan 26, 2014 10:34 pm
Location: Rochester, NY

Re: Still numb after 2 years - what do

#9 Post by Nozzelnut »

Barring some additional injury or reopening the incision sites; should not get worse. Mine started improving more or faster when the corresponding teeth or teeth in that area of the mouth started touching.
Round 3 (lifetime) Damon stainless applied 3/16/20 (after 4 weeks attempting invisalign) On for about 18 months
Night time elastics with invisalign retainers; still...
Double jaw surgery was 6/18/15...
Orthodontics never really ends...
I'm emphatically against extraction orthodontics!

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