Leaving the dental chair with a numb cheek and tongue is a familiar feeling for many who have received personalized dental care. You know the procedure is over, but part of your mouth hasn’t quite caught up yet. You may wonder how long you’ll have to wait before you can eat, drink, or speak without feeling clumsy.
The good news is that the sensation is temporary and a normal part of modern dentistry. You can generally expect dental freezing to last for a few hours after your dental appointment. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the type of procedure you had and the anesthetic used.
What Is Dental Freezing & Why Is It Used?
A Tool for Your Comfort
Dental freezing, also known as local anesthesia, is a common method used to numb a specific part of your mouth. It helps you stay comfortable during treatments such as fillings, crowns, or tooth extractions.
How It Works to Block Discomfort
Local anesthetics work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals in the treated area from reaching your brain. You might still be aware of pressure or movement in your mouth, but not the sensations of discomfort. This helps make your dental visit a more relaxed experience.
The Typical Timeline for Numbness
How Long Numbness Lasts
For most routine procedures, the numbness from dental freezing can last between 2–5 hours. In some cases involving more extensive work, your dentist may use a longer-acting anesthetic that can last up to eight hours. Your dental team will let you know what you can expect based on your specific treatment plan.
Factors That Affect the Duration
How long you feel numb depends on a few different things, as everyone’s body processes medication differently. Here are some factors that play a role:
- The type and amount of anesthetic used for your procedure
- The location of the injection—the lower jaw often stays numb longer than the upper jaw
- Your body’s own metabolism, which affects how quickly it breaks down the anesthetic
- Your individual height and weight
How to Manage Numbness After Your Procedure
How to Make Dental Freezing Go Away Faster
While patience is the most effective approach, there are a few things you can do that may help feeling return to your mouth a bit sooner. If your dentist gives you the okay, you can try these simple activities, which may help increase blood flow to the area and speed up your body’s processing of the anesthetic.
- Gently massage the area around your mouth with a warm compress.
- Go for a walk or perform some other light physical activity to promote healing.
What to Do While You Wait
The numbness will fade on its own as your body metabolizes the medication. The simplest thing you can do while you wait is to rest and relax. Taking a nap can be an easy and comfortable way to pass the time until the feeling returns to your mouth.
What to Eat & Drink While Your Mouth Is Numb
How Long After Dental Freezing Can You Eat?
It’s a good idea to wait until the numbness has worn off before you try to eat solid foods. This helps you avoid accidentally biting your tongue, cheek, or lip, which can happen when you can’t feel them properly and may require emergency dental care.
Safe Foods & Drinks to Choose
Soft and smooth foods are your friends while your mouth is still numb. Consider options that don’t require much chewing to avoid any mishaps. Some safe choices include:
- Soups
- Yogurts
- Puddings
- Mashed potatoes
It’s important to avoid hot drinks like coffee or tea until feeling fully returns to your mouth. Because of the numbness, you could burn yourself without realizing it. Stick to cool or lukewarm beverages until the anesthetic has worn off.
When to Call Your Dentist in SE Calgary
Signs to Look For After Your Appointment
While oral health complications from local anesthetic are uncommon, it’s helpful to know what to look for after you get home. Here are some potential causes for concern:
- The numbness lasts much longer than expected (more than 8–10 hours)
- You feel increasing discomfort after the freezing has completely worn off
- You notice significant swelling, redness, or itching near the injection site
What If Your Face Is Still Numb After 2 Days?
In very rare instances, numbness from a dental injection can last for a long time. This is a condition known as paresthesia. If you still have numbness a day or two after your procedure, it’s important to contact your dental office for an assessment.
If you have questions about dental freezing or any upcoming procedure, please contact our team at Embrace Dental Care. We’re always happy to walk you through the process and help you feel prepared for your appointment.
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