Damaged inferior alveolar nerve during root canal

I had a root canal on a lower molar, not quite a week ago. I had broken the tooth upon chewing two days before, they did xrays and I was told I needed a root canal. I was in the chair for 6 hours, I was told due to the fact that my roots on this tooth curved and care had to be taken to get it all and not break the drill off. I also have very bad pressure hives, so two hours into the procedure my lower jaw,face, started swelling. I didn't think too much about his because of the hives and the assistant was pulling pinching the cheek/mouth out the the way. I have a super tiny mouth and this has alway been a problem with dentist, they used an extra small childs dental block to keep my mouth open. After 6 hours of being in the chair, I told them I had had enough for the day, my face was very swollen, and the dentist hadn't even put the temporary crown on yet but I told him I would be back the next day. After the novicain started wearing off which took hours, I still couldn't feel my lower left lip or my chin. I canceled my appoint for the next day and just thought the numbness was from the pressure hive. The next day I called the dentist and told him that I was still numb and they told me to come in the next day. He told me that it was the alveolar nerve and did a pan scan which I guess they have a "non digital" scanner, which basically told them nothing. He said that I need to go to an oral surgeon to have them assess the nerve. I also have a large lump where the hive was, it was painful but I think its gradually getting smaller, I am concerned about that but more concerned with the nerve. Will this nerve and feel come back? Is this a common occurance? The dentist said he never has heard of this happening except in the case of wisdom teeth extractions. I should also add that the gum between the premolar and first molar is numb as well. Not sure this is the first molar since I had so many pulled when I was younger and getting braces on. I think this must be my second molar in reality. I am very scared that this is going to be permanent. I have terrible dental phobia as it is but this is putting me over the edge. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Is there anything that I could do to help the nerve, i.e. massage, vitamins, etc.? Thank you so much for your time! Susan