The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which supplies sensation to the tongue, floor of the mouth, and the lower teeth. Transection of the lingual nerve is a type of “nerve injury” that occurs when the nerve is partially or completely cut, resulting in loss of sensation and sometimes loss of taste in the affected area.

Transection of the lingual nerve can occur as a result of various medical procedures, such as dental procedures, oral surgery, or medical injections. It can also occur as a result of trauma to the head and neck area, such as a car accident or a fall.  However, transection of the lingual nerve can be easily be prevented by having a reasonably careful and skillful dentist take all necessary steps to avoid and protect the nerve during a third molar extraction (i.e. wisdom tooth removal).

Symptoms of Transection of the Lingual Nerve

The symptoms of transection of the lingual nerve may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the tongue, mouth, or lower teeth. Patients may also experience difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking due to the loss of sensation in the affected area. In some cases, patients may also experience loss of taste in the affected area.

Treatment of Transection of the Lingual Nerve

Treatment for transection of the lingual nerve depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may improve on their own over time, while more severe cases may require surgery or other medical intervention. In some cases, patients may also require pain management or physical therapy to help manage their symptoms.  In many cases if the lingual nerve is completely transected the patient will lose sensation to the tongue and will have permanent loss of feeling and control of half the tongue. This will have an incredible effect on a person’s life going forward and can be an extremely debilitating injury.

Contact Coffman Law

If you have suffered a transection of the lingual nerve as a result of dental malpractice, it may be possible to pursue legal action to recover damages for your injuries and related expenses. It is important to consult Coffman Law to understand your legal rights and options.

About Coffman Law Offices, P.C.

Coffman Law is Chicago’s leading personal injury law firm and is committed to providing superb legal representation for people who are suffering from severe personal injuries or are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. Coffman Law is results-driven law firm focused on ensuring that clients receive the compassion, attention, and consideration that they need to seek adequate compensation for injuries or loss. The firm is led by Owner and Founding Partner Brian Coffman, who has dedicated his career to helping accident victims navigate the legal system and obtain compensation for their injuries.