Persistent Tongue Pain One Year Post-Injury
Male, 64 years old, 6 feet tall, weighing 220 pounds, Caucasian, does not smoke, consumes alcohol occasionally, and does not use recreational drugs. Currently, I am taking B-12 supplements and gabapentin. Issue: My tongue injury has not healed over the past year. Approximately a year ago, while I was undergoing a dental procedure for a crown application, my dentist accidentally scorched my tongue with a tool. After the procedure, she pointed out the significant white blister that formed on my tongue using a mirror. At the time, I was under local anesthesia and felt no discomfort until it wore off later that day at home. The blister itself healed within two weeks, and my tongue appears to be normal; however, I continue to experience pain and tingling sensations, which make it difficult for me to speak as fluidly as I did prior to the injury, especially with certain sounds. Since that incident, I have consulted several specialists: my primary care physician, ENT doctors, a dental surgeon, and a neurologist. I underwent a detailed MRI that revealed no signs of cervical nerve damage or related diseases. Each consultation has resulted in a recommendation to just wait and see if it improves. I am curious about whether this condition will eventually resolve. What is the longest duration for a tongue injury to heal fully? Are there any documented cases where patients have experienced similar situations that resulted in improvement? Thank you for your insights.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 11:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent tongue pain lasting a year after an injury can be frustrating and concerning. It's understandable to want clarity and hope for healing. While complete recovery can vary significantly among individuals, there are a number of factors to consider in your situation.
Explanation: Tongue injuries can result in lingering pain or altered sensations, especially if nerve endings were affected during the initial damage. Your experience of continuous pain and tingling may be attributed to nerve irritation or other healing processes; this is not uncommon, especially after traumas that involve burns. Though many cases improve over time, healing durations can differ widely and some patients report prolonged symptoms, specified as persisting over several months to years without clear improvement.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, noting changes in pain levels, triggers, and any changes in your ability to speak. This may help identify patterns and be useful for future consultations.
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Pain Management: Discuss with a physician about adjusting your pain management plan, including the use of medications like gabapentin. Alternative therapies, such as guided pain relief techniques or specific oral rinses, could also be beneficial.
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Oral Care: Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Using a mild, non-irritating mouthwash can minimize bacteria and potential irritants. Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods that might exacerbate your symptoms.
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Physical Therapy for Speech: Consider consulting a speech therapist who specializes in oral motor functions. They may provide exercises or techniques to enhance your speaking abilities and reduce discomfort.
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Seek Additional Opinions: If you feel your symptoms are not improving, it may be worth seeking another opinion from a specialist, such as an orofacial pain expert, who focuses on chronic pain in the face and oral regions.
Overall, while recovery takes time and the journey can be challenging, continued care and symptomatic management are essential. If symptoms worsen or new ones develop, reassessing with a healthcare provider is important. Please stay proactive and compassionate with yourself during this process.
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