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January 23, 2025Feeling numb after a dental filling is completely normal. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “How long does numbness last after dental filling?” you’re not alone. Many patients feel frustrated when their lips, tongue, or cheeks stay numb for hours after leaving the dentist’s office. Let’s break down the numbness after dental filling and tell you how to handle it.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Do Dentists Use to Numb Your Mouth?
Dentists use local anesthetics to keep you comfortable during your filling. There are several types of anesthetics your dentist may use for your dental fillings Phoenix:
- Lidocaine: The most common option. It blocks the nerves in your mouth from sending pain signals to your brain. Its effects last around 1 to 2 hours.
- Bupivacaine: This one lasts longer by blocking nerve signals for a longer period.
- Articaine: It is known for providing deep numbness quickly, but it usually wears off faster.
The type of anesthetic used will impact how long numbness lasts after dental filling. Your dentist will pick the best option based on your needs and the length of the procedure.
How Long Does Numbing Last After Dental Filling?
How long numbness lasts after dental filling depends on the anesthetic used and how your body reacts to it. On average, you’ll feel numb for 1 to 3 hours, but it can last longer in some cases. If your dentist uses a stronger anesthetic like bupivacaine, you could stay numb for up to 8 hours.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Mild numbing (Lidocaine): 1 to 2 hours.
- Moderate numbing (Articaine): 2 to 4 hours.
- Long-lasting numbing (Bupivacaine): 4 to 8 hours.
Note: If your numbness lasts beyond this, you need to give our Phoenix dentists a call.
How Long Does Numbness Last After a Cavity Filling?
Most cavity fillings involve a standard local anesthetic that keeps you numb for about 2 to 4 hours. The numbness usually fades in stages. You’ll likely notice your lips regaining feeling first, followed by your tongue and cheeks. However, if your dentist had to perform a deeper filling or you needed more anesthetic, the numbness might last longer. For patients with multiple fillings in one visit, the effect could extend to 5 or 6 hours.
Factors That Affect Numbness Duration
Aside from the anesthetic your dentist uses, several other factors can influence how long numbness lasts after dental filling. Let’s take a closer look:
- A higher dose of anesthetic will take longer to wear off. Your dentist may use more if the procedure is complex or if you’re particularly anxious.
- Your metabolism affects how fast your body processes the anesthetic. People with faster metabolisms will notice the numbness fading sooner.
- If the anesthetic was injected near a dense nerve cluster, the numbness could last longer. Nerves in different areas of your mouth have different sensitivity levels.
What to Expect After Your Dental Filling?
Once the numbness wears off, you might notice a few lingering effects:
- Your jaw might feel a bit sore from keeping your mouth open during the procedure.
- You may feel some sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a few days.
- Because your mouth was numb, your bite may feel slightly off. Don’t worry—this usually adjusts on its own.
How to Make Numbing Go Away After a Cavity Filling?
Before you search Google for “dental fillings near me,” you should know some simple ways to get rid of numbness after a dental filling:
- Don’t eat until the numbness is gone to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
- You won’t feel burns while numb, so skip hot drinks like coffee or tea for a while.
- Gently rub your cheeks to help stimulate blood flow.
- A light activity like a walk can help your body process the anesthetic faster.
- Staying hydrated can also help flush the anesthetic out of your system.
Tips for Preventing Prolonged Numbness
While it’s rare, some dental patients experience prolonged numbness after dental work. Let’s lower the risks:
- Let your dentist know if you’ve had prolonged numbness in the past.
- Follow the post-care instructions your dentist gave you to prevent complications.
- Maintain good health because chronic conditions like diabetes can slow down your body’s ability to process anesthetics.
Numbing and Dental Filling Services in Phoenix, Arizona
At Central Valley Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and care during every procedure. Our skilled dentists ensure that you receive the right type and dose of anesthetic for your treatment. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly.
If you’re in Phoenix, Arizona, and need a dental filling, stop Googling “tooth filling near me” and call us at (602) 246-0385. Trust our experienced team to keep you comfortable and informed every step of the way.
The Bottom Line
Numbness after a dental filling is normal, but it shouldn’t last all day. Most patients feel normal again within a few hours. If your numbness lasts much longer or feels unusual, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. By knowing what to expect and how to get rid of numbing after cavity filling, you’ll feel more confident walking out of the dentist’s office next time.
FAQs
Call your dentist right away. Prolonged numbness could indicate nerve irritation that needs attention.
Typically, your face will stay numb for 1 to 3 hours. In some cases, it can last up to 5 hours.
It’s best to wait. Eating while numb can cause you to bite your cheek or tongue without realizing it.
Certain anesthetics, like bupivacaine, can cause numbness for up to 8 hours. If numbness lasts longer than this, contact your dentist to ensure everything is okay.