Can My Lingual Artery Be Affected during Medical Procedures?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Since this artery supplies blood to many tissues inside of the mouth, it can be affected during medical procedures like surgeries. Some of these procedures are:
- Implant placement surgeries. The International Congress of Oral Implantologists notes that in rare cases, the proximity of the lingual artery to the lingual cortex can cause complications like severe hemorrhage and resulting hematomas during implant surgeries. In such cases, you should seek medical attention immediately.
- Glossectomy. To treat tumors on the tongue, a surgery known as glossectomy is often required. It involves the removal of part or all of the tongue. The Canadian Cancer Society notes that sometimes only a small part of the tongue may be removed, while in other cases, a larger portion of the tongue is removed. Removal of part of the tongue can affect blood flow. Don't hesitate to talk to your surgeon about how blood flow to the tongue will be addressed.
The tongue is a vital organ, and it has a rich blood supply, all thanks to your lingual artery. If you're undergoing any procedure in the oral cavity, you might worry about the health of your lingual artery. But don't worry; all medical professionals know how to minimize any risk of complications and welcome any questions or concerns that you may have!