SheriR33 replied 10 months ago:
Dear Betty,
Without knowing more detail about what caused the nerve damage in your mouth, it is difficult to tell you yes, or no; and if yes, give you an exact time frame. I am a registered nurse, and have dealt with ortho/neuro surgical patients for the past 14 years.
I can tell you that we are still learning everyday about the body's ability to heal. When I first began as an RN the thought process of nerve healing was that after about 1 year, "what you had was, what you had". Now we know if the damage is from trauma, ie car accident, nick during surgery (basicly a sudden onset that can be repaired quickly), the person will see the GREATEST improvement during the first 6months, but can continue seeing incremental improvements up to 3years.
However, on the flip side, IF the damage to the nerve is brought on slowly, usually by a disease process (ie diabetes, B12 or Folate defiency, spinal disc degeneration) the damage may or may not be reversible. The "Rule of Thumb" we go by is, IF the condition is correctable and correction intervention is started within 6 months of numbness, tingling, weakness, etc beginning; there is a GOOD chance that the patient will regain SOME if not all functioning of the effected nerve(s) within 3-6 months. However, the longer correction intervention is begun after 6 months of symptoms first appearing the LESS LIKELY the patient is to regain some, if any, functioning of the effected nerve(s).
The thing to remember is each body is unique and heals in it's on way. That is one reason medicine is not classified solely as a science, but as an art, "the art of healing". Medicine is the art of healing that is based on sound, tested scientific evidence; healthcare providers use science to the best of our ability to help our patients, then the rest is in a Higher Power's hands, as most doctors and nurses can atest to their own witnessed miracle stories. This art is why patients often hear us, doctors and nurses, talk in general terms using words like normal ranges and limits.
I hope I was able to give you some answers, or information, but without knowing more, this was the best I could do. I know it is lengthy and you probably wanted short and concise; however when dealing with nerve damage there is nothing ever easy or consice about it. I wish you luck and a speedy recovery!
Warmest Regards,
Sheri
