How long until the soreness and numbness goes away

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#1 Post by **James0099** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:42 am

I am around 2 months since surgery for upper and lower jaw surgery.

On my left side I have this sore spot that if I press on really hurts, its like by my ear kind of where my bottom jaw ends, I guess where they broke it?

Then my teeth are sore and just feel weak and weird. The numbness in my upper gums is still kind of there, everything feels kind of tender or something.

How long does it take to feel normal?

#2 Post by **Karma** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 7:25 pm

I am 6 months post op and still have plenty of numbness in my upper gums and lower right half of my lip. My surgeon warned me well in advance that numbness could take up to 2 years to return. As for the soreness, I am also still experiencing some soreness in the area you describe, depending on the day. I find my jaw gets very sore on cold, humid days. It is slowly getting better but definately a long, slow process. My surgeon is very happy with my results and says I am right on schedule for recovery.

#3 Post by **Rizzie** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:27 am

I can't answer because I haven't had surgery yet, but this brings up a question I have...do you find these symptoms to be impairing your quality of life? I ask because I'm 58, and know my recovery will be affected by my age. I'm trying to figure out if I had residual numbness, would it alter my life? Do you have any problem with talking or drooling (my biggest fear)?

#4 Post by **chicago29** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:56 am

I'm only 18 days post-op. I currently have numbness:

- Below my right eye to the top of my lip, including the right side end of my nose

- My entire top palate is numb

- My top lip has "altered sensation" at the ends, but it isn't numb

I certainly want all of these to come back, but if they didn't I can't say I'd regret the surgery. I think the bottom lip is the "big one" where the numbness can really impact you. Having your bottom lip numb can lead to drooling, and I would think it would make it harder to drink from a glass. Luckily, my bottom lip made it through unaltered for the most part.

Hope this information helps - FYI I am 35 years old. And remember, in due time most everybody gets the feeling back (granted it can take a very long time) and what is left numb is often just small residual areas.

-Chicago29

#5 Post by **Karma** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 1:06 pm

Rizzie wrote:I can't answer because I haven't had surgery yet, but this brings up a question I have...do you find these symptoms to be impairing your quality of life? I ask because I'm 58, and know my recovery will be affected by my age. I'm trying to figure out if I had residual numbness, would it alter my life? Do you have any problem with talking or drooling (my biggest fear)?

I wouldn't say it has affected my quality of life, but it has been an adjustment. At first I did drool and wouldn't notice until it hit the bottom of my chin so I was constantly wiping my face. Luckily the people I work with are great and took it all with a smile. I'm finding I don't drool like I used to (or maybe I'm just accustomed to wiping my mouth all the time

). I still find it hard to eat some foods, and my upper teeth are super sensative, even to simple things like brushing. I'm very happy I had the surgery done and don't regret it for a minute....it is all just about changing the way you do things and taking it all in stride. Does it impair my quality of life....I wouldn't say so...I'm still able to eat at a restaurant with friends and do all my normal activities. I just need to be aware that I'm not 100% yet.

#6 Post by **RickC** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:01 am

I'm nearly 4 weeks post op, lower jaw advanced 9mm and my lower lip and chin are still numb, I've got very slight sensation the right hand edge of my bottom lip but that is all.

I hope it starts to come back soon as kisses from my wife just don't feel the same with only the top lip.

#7 Post by **Rizzie** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:57 pm

Thanks for your replies Chicago and Karma, about the quality of life issue. It helped to hear there are no regrets, even though you aren't 100% yet.

Essentially, I've agreed to surgery, but I haven't gotten my head wrapped around the idea yet--part of me is still in denial, I guess. This surgery scares the heck out of me!