A local anesthetic is administered during dental procedures to prevent pain in a targeted area of your mouth. This medication temporarily blocks nerve signals to your brain, ensuring comfort during treatments like fillings or extractions. The resulting numbness is a normal, temporary effect, with its duration varying based on the anesthetic, injection site, and individual factors. While numbness usually subsides within a few hours, understanding its nature helps manage post-procedure recovery expectations.
Tips for Faster Numbness Relief
Increasing blood flow to the affected area can help the anesthetic dissipate more quickly. Light physical activity, such as a short walk, can boost metabolism and circulation, helping flush the numbing agent. Gentle jaw exercises, like slowly opening and closing your mouth or moving your tongue, also stimulate muscles and nerves, potentially speeding up sensation.
Applying a warm compress to the outside of your face over the numb area can also encourage blood circulation. The warmth dilates blood vessels, helping your body metabolize and remove the anesthetic. Ensure the compress is warm, not hot, to avoid burns, and apply it for about 10-15 minutes at a time.
Staying well-hydrated helps your body process and eliminate numbing agents. Proper hydration supports overall bodily functions and contributes to a smoother recovery. You can also try gently massaging your cheeks, lips, or jaw with your fingertips in slow, circular motions to stimulate blood flow in the numb region. This should be done carefully, avoiding excessive pressure, especially near the recent dental work.
Staying Safe While Numb
While your mouth is numb, take precautions to prevent accidental injury. Lack of sensation means you might inadvertently bite your tongue, cheek, or lip, causing injury once numbness wears off. Therefore, delay eating solid foods until full sensation returns.
Consuming hot beverages or foods presents a risk, as you may not accurately gauge their temperature and could sustain burns. Stick to cool or room-temperature liquids, and consider using a straw to minimize contact with the numb areas. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the anesthetic was administered. Patience and awareness of the numb area are recommended until normal feeling returns.
When to Call Your Dentist
While temporary numbness is normal after dental procedures, certain situations warrant contacting your dentist. If numbness persists significantly longer than the typical 2 to 6 hours for most anesthetics, seek professional advice. Prolonged numbness, especially if it lasts more than 12 hours or a couple of days, could indicate potential nerve involvement or other complications.
Contact your dentist if numbness is accompanied by increasing pain, swelling, or redness in the treated area, as these could signal infection or other issues. Any unusual or severe reactions, such as trouble breathing, facial swelling, hives, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, require immediate medical attention.