Hi badpatch,

Based on your description, it sounds like the teeth that were extracted were in your lower jaw and they were next to each other. Correct?

When did the symptoms in the tongue start?
When did the teeth and gums start to feel sore?
When did the earache occur?
Did you have TMJ problems prior to the extractions?
What is your overall dental health status... do you have periodontal disease?
Do you smoke?

One of the first things to note is that all root canaled teeth are infected. Therefore, both root canaled teeth were infected at the time they were "first" root canaled and they remained infected even in spite of the second root canal treatment. Any long term tooth infection can lead to deterioration of the jaw bone which could eventually damage the surrounding tissue and nerves. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine if the current symptoms you are having are from the long term infection or the extractions. Actually, both the infection and extraction could be contributing factors.

Another possible factor for your tongue symptoms could stem from the actual injection of the anesthetic. There is always a risk of nicking a main bundle of nerves. The nerve irritation from an injection may or may not be permanent. Generally, it is not permanent if the nerves are healthy and not damaged from infection.

What did the dentist suggest you do regarding the symptoms?
Is the dentist an oral surgeon or a general dentist?

Bryanna