Jaw fracture and facial numbness

Greetings everyone 🙂

First off, let me offer an apology. I searched through the forums but couldn't find a similar topic, so if one already exists, please forgive my lack of thoroughness in searching. 🙂

To get straight to the point, while browsing the web, I concluded that this community might be of use to me, which is why I am reaching out. 🙂

About ten days ago, I underwent surgery for a double open fracture of the lower jaw—on the left side between the second premolar and first molar, and on the right side between the canine and first premolar. The procedure went smoothly, and my recovery is progressing normally. They installed five titanium plates: three on the left and two on the right. No teeth were damaged. However, there is still persistent numbness in my lower lip and chin. It wasn't quite this intense on the first day, but when I touch my lower lip and the area just below it, I feel nothing at all. My doctors have assured me they managed to save the nerve. My question for you is this: will I face permanent consequences in terms of losing sensation in this area, or is there a possibility that feeling will return over time?

Apologies for the lengthy post. 🙂 Regards

I can't really give you an answer there—I’m no doctor, after all... though I wish I knew. How old are you, anyway? And how did you end up with that fracture? Was it a fall, some kind of wreck, or just bad luck?

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S24 using Reddit

If you manage to get your feeling back and shake off that numbness within six months to a year, consider yourself lucky.

The fact that you can even open your jaw means a good chunk of those nerves actually survived.

As for getting sensation back in your skin? That’s going to take a lot longer.