The removal of wisdom teeth is a common surgical procedure, resulting in a temporary loss of sensation in the mouth and face. This numbness is an expected part of the recovery process, directly resulting from the local anesthetic administered before the extraction. Understanding how long this effect lasts helps patients manage their initial hours of recovery and anticipate the return of normal feeling.
Expected Duration of Numbness
The duration of numbness is primarily determined by the specific local anesthetic agent used and the amount administered by the oral surgeon. Most wisdom tooth extractions utilize a nerve block, which temporarily stops nerve signals to the entire lower jaw quadrant, including the lip and tongue on that side. This sensation is not a sign of nerve damage, but rather the intended effect of the medication wearing off.
Anesthetics like Lidocaine or Articaine are often used for shorter-acting effects, while Bupivacaine may be used for a longer-lasting block to extend the period of pain relief post-surgery. For most patients, the numbness from the local anesthetic will begin to wear off anywhere between two and eight hours after the procedure is completed. A typical expected range is three to five hours.
Individual physiological factors also influence how quickly the body processes the medication and how long the numbness persists. A patient’s metabolism and body weight can alter the duration, as these factors affect the rate at which the bloodstream clears the anesthetic. The complexity of the procedure and the proximity of the tooth to the main nerves can also necessitate a larger dose, which may extend the numbness toward the longer end of the typical eight-hour range.
Safety Precautions While Numb
While your mouth is numb, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent accidental injury to the soft tissues. Because you cannot feel your lips, cheeks, or tongue, there is a risk of inadvertently biting or chewing them, which can lead to painful, delayed-healing ulcers. You should avoid chewing anything until full sensation has completely returned to your mouth.
When attempting to drink, avoid using a straw, which creates negative pressure inside the mouth. This suction can dislodge the newly formed blood clot at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, applesauce, or pureed soups, and ensure they are cool or lukewarm to avoid burning yourself unknowingly.
When Numbness Lingers
While temporary numbness is standard, persistent numbness that lasts beyond the expected period is a complication requiring follow-up with your oral surgeon. This condition is medically termed paresthesia, involving a prolonged altered sensation, tingling, or complete loss of feeling. Paresthesia is typically caused by irritation or bruising of a nerve near the extraction site, most often the inferior alveolar nerve or the lingual nerve.
The inferior alveolar nerve supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin, while the lingual nerve provides sensation to the tongue, and both run close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. If numbness persists beyond 24 hours, or certainly after 48 hours, it is considered a warning sign that the nerve may have been affected and requires professional evaluation.
In most instances of paresthesia, the nerve injury is temporary, and sensation spontaneously returns as the nerve heals, often within a few weeks or months. Your oral surgeon may recommend observation or prescribe treatments to support nerve recovery. If you notice any persistent numbness, tingling, or an abnormal sensation called dysesthesia, contact your surgeon immediately for an assessment.