Numbness or tingling sensations in the tongue, medically known as paresthesia of the tongue, most commonly occur due to damage to the nervous system. The medical term for the absence of sensation is anesthesia. Damage to the lingual nerve that supplies the tongue has been reported as a complication of dental procedures or surgery such as wisdom tooth extraction, implants, or root canal procedures. Other conditions that damage the nerves, as well as brain conditions such as stroke, can also cause numbness and tingling of the tongue. I have this - I had dental work done about two days ago and the nerve zapped in pain when I had the injection. Will this repair itself, do I need the filling out or is it permenant? If the latter, will it effect speech or taste?