Question:
has anyone experienced a numb tongue after surgery?

I am almost 2 wks post-op and my tongue is still numb on one side. My Dr. says its from the anesthesia and will wear off. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, how long before you tongue was back to normal?    — Julie M. (posted on July 31, 1999)

August 1, 1999
I doubt it's from anesthesia (the drugs), it sounds like a mechanical injury caused by the process of the breathing tube being inserted by the anesthesiologist. Keep telling the doctor about it and don't let it drop, unless it resolves (and it should resolve, but may take some time).
   — Diane N.

August 2, 1999
I had oral surgery several years ago and had my tongue numb down one side afterward. It did improve over several months, but never went completely back to normal. My doctor said that the nerve which passes close to the surface behind my last lower molar on that side must have been bruised or damaged. I wonder if a similar thing may have happened to you when the anesthesiologist put the breathing tube down your throat? I imagine it will improve on it's own... maybe ask your dentist about it at your next checkup.
   — Lynn K.