Local anesthesia is the injection of a solution that numbs the area where a dentist has to work on (tooth, gums, etc.) That solution can either contain epinephrine (adrenaline) or not. Epinephrine is added to the anesthesia solution to increase the numbing effect.
Anesthesia that contains epinephrine is commonly used, and the numbing effect lasts from 2 to 4 hours. Rarely does it last more than that, although there have been cases where the numbing effect lasted for days.
Anesthesia that doesn’t contain epinephrine is used for patients who have heart disease, high blood pressure, or patients who are allergic to epinephrine. The numbing effect is therefore shorter and can last around an hour.
The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be taken before consulting a health care professional.
The masculine gender may have been more used in the article, but without prejudice, to make reading easier.
Category: questions and answers
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I had number 31 tooth extracted on a Friday of last week and now its a week later and my tongue is numb on the extraction side. It’s difficult to eat. The only thing I can eat is soft food. My question is…”how long does this numbing/discomfort last?”
Wendy, you are experiencing something called paresthesia (prolonged numbing effect). In most cases it is temporary and can last from weeks to months. Have you told your dentist about it?
I went to the dentist for a filling yesterday and my lip is still numb. How long does this last?
Hello Ally,
24 hour of numbing is unusual. You might be experiencing temporary paresthesia. It happens rarely, but it does happen after dental treatments. In my case, the feeling in the lip always came back. I advise that you call your dentist and tell him (or her).
I just got my wisdom tooth pulled. When is it safe to eat before the numbing goes away or after? Im hungry lol
If is recommended to eat soft foods when you have just removed your wisdom teeth and still numb, and for a few days after.
Bon appétit!
Last week the doctor removed the roots but my lips is numb for 1 week. Help me what to do
Hello Khalid,
You might have something called paresthesia, which is a prolonged numbing that can last weeks or months. It is very rarely permanent. You must see your dentist and inform him or her about it.
I am going to get one of my teeth removed and I want to know how long does it take for the numbness to go away. will it affect me to say something I shouldn’t say or something else?
Hello Anna,
Local anaesthesia will not affect you that way (say things you don’t want to say). But if you get other types of sedation as well, then you might.
I suggest to have a talk with your dentist or surgeon to make sure what type of anaesthesia/sedation you will have and what will be the effects.
I had my wisdom teeth take out a year fall of 2016 and my mouth is still numb from the places they numbed me ? What does that mean and how or can it ever go away ?
Hello Christine,
Was there a tooth extraction that day? If so, there might have been nerve damage. It is a situation called paraesthesia. If so, I recommend you go see your dentist and talk about it.
Hi my name is susan and i just got a root canal at 11am and i am still numb what do i do i call my dentist they said dont eat for 2 hours and its 2:06pm and im hungry ..should i call them again ..
That is a very short period Susan, it is very normal that you might still be numb.
How about a shake for lunch?