Nerve damage to the tongue, lower lip and mouth: there is no high quality evidence on effective treatments

The nerves which supply sensation to the tongue, lower lip and chin can be injured during facial and mouth surgery, including surgery to remove lower wisdom teeth. 90% of these injuries are temporary, but if they last longer than 6 months then further treatment may be needed. Damage to these nerves can lead altered sensation, or even altered taste perception. There are many treatments available: surgical, laser treatment, drug treatments (antiepileptics, antidepressants, painkillers), and counselling. This research considers which one of these interventions is the most effective.