“Before I got a filling for a cavity, the dentist gave me a local anesthetic, resulting in dental numbness. The numbness didn’t go away for 4 hours. Is this normal?” -Allison F. San Antonio, TX.
What Is A Local Anesthetic In A Dental Procedure?
First, let’s talk about what a local anesthetic is and how it affects your mouth. The most common local anesthetic is called lidocaine. It causes a loss of feeling in the skin and your mucous membranes. The numbness allows patients to stay awake during a procedure, enabling your dentist to work their magic to fix your teeth. The length and intensity of numbness can vary depending on the type and invasiveness of the dental procedures performed, as well as individual factors like metabolism and overall health.
What Are The Effects?
You shouldn’t feel any pain during your procedure after the local anesthetic is injected into your mouth. To alleviate numbness experienced after the procedure, consider gentle massage, physical activities, and specific movements that promote blood flow and help restore sensation more quickly. However, you still may feel pressure at the site of your cavity as your dentist is removing the decay. Increasing blood flow can help enhance recovery from dental procedures. It’s totally normal to experience tingling or minor pain around the injected site after the procedure due to the numb sensation caused by the anesthetic. It’s rare for a person to have serious side effects. If you experience these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately:
- allergic reaction (trouble breathing, lips/tongue/face swells up or hives)
- chest pain , slow or irregular heartbeats
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- nausea
- vomiting
- trembling/shaking
To reduce numbness, try gentle jaw movement, massaging the affected areas, and engaging in distraction techniques to alleviate discomfort and expedite the recovery process from anesthesia.
“Before you get any dental procedure, let us know exactly what medications you are taking,” warns Dr. Jason Kboudi, Advanced Smile Care. “There are prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications that may put your health at a heightened risk if you are receiving a local anesthetic. We want your procedure to be safe and comfortable. That’s why we ask if you are taking any medication.”
How Long Will Prolonged Numbness Last?
The numbness from your local anesthetic may last a few hours and perhaps as long as 24 hours. However, prolonged numbness could indicate complications. Persistent numbness following dental procedures, such as dental implants or wisdom tooth extractions, may suggest potential issues. In some cases, nerve damage can occur, leading to extended periods of numbness and requiring follow-up appointments.
If numbness persists beyond the expected duration, it is essential to consult a dental professional to ensure there are no complications. In very rare situations, the effect of lidocaine can last up to two days.
If you are wary about getting a local anesthetic, Advanced Smile Care offers four customized options that are not only safe, but also effective to ensure our procedures are comfortable: nitrous oxide (laughing gas); oral sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia.
Advanced Smile Care has a track record of more than 20 years of providing sedation dentistry. We started working in this field at a time when many dental practices in San Antonio did not offer these services. We have helped thousands of patients get over their fears of the dentist with our top-tier sedation expertise.
Managing Dental Numbness After a Procedure With Advanced Smile Care
Experiencing numbness for a few hours after receiving a local anesthetic is entirely normal, but we understand how it might feel unsettling. At Advanced Smile Care, we prioritize your comfort and safety by tailoring anesthetic options to your needs. With over 20 years of experience in sedation dentistry, we’ve helped thousands of patients enjoy pain-free, anxiety-free dental care.
If you’re concerned about prolonged numbness or wish to explore our safe and effective sedation options, reach out to us today. Call (210)-366-3606 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.
