Dental fillings usually require a local anesthetic to alleviate any pain or discomfort a patient might experience. But how long does numbness last after a dental filling? In this article, we answer this question and discuss the procedure and the effects of a local anesthetic.
How Long Does Numbness Last After Dental Filling?
During the dental filling procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill and seal the space with resin composite or other material used for this purpose. This procedure would be unpleasant without a local anesthetic.
The most commonly used anesthetics in dentistry are lidocaine, articaine, and epinephrine. The anesthetics are typically delivered in the form of an injection. These modern local anesthetics are highly effective at numbing the procedure site and cutting off any sensation in the area. Therefore, anesthetics are an excellent tool for making patients much more comfortable during any dental procedure, including fillings, root canals, extractions, and even dental implants.
The time the numbness lasts after a dental filling procedure depends on the type and amount of anesthetic used. It will also depend on which area of the mouth the procedure took place in (the upper and lower jaws tend to require different types of anesthesia). Generally, the numbness will go away after 2 to 6 hours.
What to Avoid While Your Mouth Is Numb
When your mouth is numb after a dental filling procedure, it is easy to accidentally hurt yourself. Thus, we advise you to refrain from eating anything because chewing is hard to control, and there is a risk of biting your tongue or other soft tissue in the mouth. It is okay to enjoy a beverage; however, avoid hot drinks, as you can burn your mouth without realizing it. Opt for room-temperature drinks.
How to Make the Numbness After a Dental Filling Go Away Faster
Typically, temporary numbness in the mouth after a dental anesthetic is not a cause for concern. You can wait until the sensation is gone and then enjoy eating and drinking as usual. However, if the sensation is too unpleasant for you, try using one or a couple of the following tips:
- Move your tongue from side to side and up and down.
- Move the muscles of your face by opening your mouth widely and moving your lips. These actions can increase blood flow in the numbed areas.
- Gently move your jaw.
- Lean your head from side to side, stretching the neck muscles.
- Gently massage your lips and chicks to boost blood circulation. Be very gentle, using only the tips of your fingers. Avoid massaging too close to the injection area.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or apply a warm compress to your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
When numbness goes away, you may experience sensitivity or soreness of the tissue where the injection was delivered. Such sensations are expected and will go away on their own without any additional treatment.
Signs of Abnormal Response to a Dental Anesthetic
Overall, allergic reactions to local anesthetics in dentistry are not common. If an allergic reaction does occur, it will most likely happen very soon after the injection. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to a local anesthetic include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hyperventilation
- Increased or decreased heart rate and blood pressure
- Sweating
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Anaphylaxis
If you feel any of such symptoms during your dental procedure, inform your doctor immediately, but try to stay calm and relax as much as possible.
Another case of an abnormal response to a dental anesthetic is when the numbness does not seem to go away for longer than 5 to 6 hours. Such situations are also rare, but if it happens, it can signify a nerve injury.
We recommend contacting your dentist immediately if you suspect that the numbness after a local dental anesthetic lasts longer than it is supposed to. In some cases, the damaged nerve can heal on its own within one to several months, but in others, it requires medical treatment, including surgery.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to make an appointment at our leading cosmetic dentistry clinic for a comprehensive examination of your oral health. Our specialists will ensure that you receive a suitable treatment plan to deliver the best results. We look forward to your visit to the Monte Vista Dental Group dental office.