If you’ve ever had a filling, you know that the numbness afterward can be a bit disconcerting.
Many of our Verber Dental East patients ask us, “How long does it take for the numbness to go away after a filling?”
Today, we’re here to answer this question and help you understand what to expect after your dental procedures.
How Long Does Numbness Last After a Dental Filling?
Duration: Generally speaking, numbness after a filling lasts for about 1 to 4 hours.
After receiving a filling at our practice, you can expect the numbness caused by local anesthesia to wear off within a few hours.
The exact time can vary based on the type of anesthetic used and individual factors such as your body’s metabolism.
What Influences the Duration of Numbness?
- Type of Anesthetic: Different anesthetics have different durations of action. For instance, lidocaine or novocaine, commonly used in dental practices, typically wears off within 1 to 4 hours.
- Site of Injection: The location of the anesthetic injection can influence how long the numbness persists. Injections closer to larger nerves may prolong the numb effect.
- Individual Metabolism: Everyone’s body processes and eliminates anesthesia differently, which can affect how quickly you recover feeling.
How Long Does Mouth Numbing From the Dentist Last?
While the numbness from routine dental fillings generally lasts a few hours, other dental procedures might involve numbness that lasts slightly longer.
Understanding this can help you plan your day, especially if you’re returning to work or need to speak publicly.
Tips for Managing Numbness:
- Be Careful with Hot Beverages and Foods: While your mouth is numb, you might not be able to gauge temperature properly, increasing the risk of burns.
- Avoid Chewing on the Numb Side: To prevent biting your cheek or tongue, avoid chewing until the numbness has fully worn off.
- Rest if Necessary: Sometimes, the best thing to do is simply relax until the effects fully wear off, ensuring you do not accidentally injure yourself.
At Verber Dental East, we use the latest techniques and safest anesthetics to ensure your comfort and care during dental procedures.
While numbness is a temporary side effect, our team is here to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Remember, the duration of numbness can vary, but if you have any concerns or if numbness persists unusually long, please contact us immediately.
Have further questions about dental procedures or aftercare?
Contact Verber Dental East today to schedule an appointment.
We’re here to ensure your visit is as comfortable and informative as possible!
