Lingual Nerve
What is the Lingual Nerve?
The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself a part of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). It runs through the lower part of the face and travels alongside the tongue, providing sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain from the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the inside of the cheeks. Although it does not help with taste directly, it carries some taste signals from the tongue through another nerve called the chorda tympani, which joins it as it travels.
The lingual nerve plays a vital role in helping us feel sensations in our mouth that are important for speaking, eating, and avoiding injuries (like biting your tongue). If this nerve gets damaged—such as during dental surgery or wisdom tooth removal—it can lead to numbness, tingling, or even loss of taste in part of the tongue.
Dr. Spector describes the anatomy and function of the lingual nerve.
Because of its close connection to both sensory and taste functions, the lingual nerve is an important structure in oral and neurological health.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier.
Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier.
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How can the lingual nerve be damaged?
Dr. Spector reviews potential injuries to the lingual nerve.
Common injuries to the lingual nerve usually happen during dental or oral surgeries, especially when removing lower wisdom teeth (third molars). Because the lingual nerve runs close to the back of the mouth and near the lower jaw, it can be accidentally stretched, compressed, or even cut during these procedures. This can lead to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, pain, or loss of taste in the front two-thirds of the tongue. In rare cases, more severe injury may result in long-lasting problems with speech or eating.
Other causes of lingual nerve injury include dental injections, jaw fractures, or tumors pressing on the nerve. Most mild injuries improve over time, but more serious damage might need treatment such as nerve repair surgery or physical therapy to help restore function. Dentists and surgeons take special care to avoid this nerve during procedures because of how important it is to everyday sensations and quality of life.
Robinson, P. P., Loescher, A. R., & Yates, J. M. (2000). Current issues in lingual nerve repair. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 38(5), 480–483.
Renton, T. (2004). Damage to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves as a result of dental treatment. Dental Update, 31(7), 375–382.
Renton, T. (2004). Damage to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves as a result of dental treatment. Dental Update, 31(7), 375–382.
How can the lingual nerve be treated?
Common treatments for lingual nerve injuries depend on how serious the injury is. For mild cases, such as temporary numbness or tingling after dental work, doctors usually recommend watchful waiting, because many people recover on their own within a few weeks to months. During this time, pain may be managed with medications like over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription nerve pain drugs (e.g., gabapentin or amitriptyline).
If symptoms last longer than a few months or are severe—such as constant pain, burning, or loss of tongue function—doctors may suggest more advanced treatments.
Dr. Spector describes potential treatments for the injured lingual nerve.
These include nerve stimulation therapies, physical therapy, or even microsurgery to repair the damaged nerve. Surgical repair is most successful when done within 6 to 9 months after the injury. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve tongue sensation, and restore function as much as possible.
Renton, T., Yilmaz, Z. (2012). Managing iatrogenic trigeminal nerve injury: a case series and review of the literature. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 41(5), 629–637.
Pogrel, M. A., & Thamby, S. (2000). Permanent nerve involvement resulting from inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(7), 901–907.
Pogrel, M. A., & Thamby, S. (2000). Permanent nerve involvement resulting from inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(7), 901–907.
If you are suffering from lingual nerve symptoms, be sure to consult a nerve specialist
PAGE CONTRIBUTORS
PAGE CONTRIBUTORS
Matthew Spector, MD
Head and Neck Surgeon
University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center
Christina Yver, MD
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
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