How Long Does the Numbness After Dental Treatment Last?

How Long Does the Numbness After Dental Treatment Last?

You’ve just had a composite filling done, and your dentist tells you to sit forward and rinse your mouth out. Doing so immediately shows you exactly how numb your gums, tongue and cheeks are. Even though you expected numbness after dental treatment, it can still feel a little strange.

The next question that arises is usually “how long will the numbness last?” Of course, everyone is different, but it’s still nice to know when you’re going to feel more normal again. The good news is that it shouldn’t be too long.

With over 50 million people getting numbed up for work every year in the UK, it’s a popular topic. So, come with us now as we shine a light on what to expect, why and how long it’s going to last.

How Long Does Dental Anaesthetic Usually Last?

In our experience of running dental clinics in Manchester, the effects of dental anaesthetic will almost always wear off within a few hours of your treatment. Whether you’ve had dental bridges fitted or had a root canal, the same applies, but as we just mentioned, it varies.

Modern anaesthesia is so good these days that you often only notice the numbness fully as you leave the clinic. You might have a little trouble speaking or drinking, and a number of different things can affect how long it takes to wear off.

The Area Treated Matters

If you’ve had work done on your upper molars, the area numbed will be different from if you had one of your lower front teeth treated. As such, after injections for this kind of work, you might find that you can’t feel your teeth, gums, or even parts of your lips – and that’s entirely normal.

The fact is, if the numbness is at the front, you’re much more likely to be aware of it for longer. Nothing unusual is going on – you just notice it more.

Some Work Needs More Anaesthetic

Having a filling done is one thing, but something more complex – like an extraction – is another thing entirely when it comes to the amount of anaesthetic needed.

As such, rather than getting the feeling coming back after 2-3 hours, it could be more like 4-6 hours before you can feel that area again. Just try to bear that in mind if you find yourself getting impatient.

Everyone Responds Slightly Differently

Just as people respond differently to medication, the same applies to dental anaesthetic. Two patients having similar treatment on the same day may not experience the numbness in the same way.

While most numbness follows a fairly predictable pattern, there’s often too much going on to be more precise. This can all be a bit scary if you’re a nervous patient, but sedation dentistry can make this much more comfortable.

When Should You Worry About Numbness After Dental Treatment?

If you’ve been sitting for hours waiting for the feeling to come back, it’s natural to start wondering whether something’s gone wrong. In the vast majority of cases, it won’t have. Dental anaesthetic is designed to last long enough for your treatment – it just sometimes hangs around a little longer.

There are, however, a few situations where it’s worth getting back in touch with your dentist with a view to being extra careful.

More often than not, it’s simply a case of waiting a little longer for the feeling to return. For more reassurance around dental treatment, our dentist answers some of the most common patient questions.

Still Have Questions About Dental Anaesthesia?

Numbness is a standard part of many modern dental treatments – it’s what makes it pain-free. However, that doesn’t make it any easier to stay patient when feeling is slow to come back. Most often, it will return in good time, so try to relax.

At Ringway Dental, our team helps patients stay relaxed and comfortable before and after treatment. Got a question? Just ask – we’re always happy to give you the reassurance you need.

So, if you’ve got any concerns, get in touch today or book your free online consultation, and we’ll do our best to put them to rest.

FAQs

Q – Can I drive after having a dental injection?

A – In most cases, yes. Local anaesthetic on its own doesn’t affect your ability to drive. That said, if you’ve also had sedation or you’re feeling off after treatment, go with whatever your dentist advised before you left.

Q – Why does my smile look uneven while I’m numb?

A – Numbness can temporarily affect the muscles around your mouth, especially if your lip or cheek is involved. It can make your smile feel or look a bit lopsided until sensation starts coming back.

Q – Should I drink through a straw while my mouth is numb?

A – It’s how some people get around while their cheeks or lips have no feeling in them. You can, but not if you’ve had an extraction, as it can disturb the clot.

Q – Why do I keep accidentally biting my lip or cheek after treatment?

A – When part of your mouth is numb, it’s genuinely difficult to judge pressure and movement properly. That makes accidental biting much more likely, particularly if you’re eating or talking before the anaesthetic has fully worn off.

Q – Is it normal for only part of my mouth to feel numb?

A – Yes, completely. Depending on where the injection was given and what was being treated, some areas will be more affected than others. Sensation also tends to return gradually rather than all at once, so patchy numbness for a while is nothing to worry about.

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