How Long Will Numbness Last After the Dentist? What to Expect After Anesthesia
If you've just left the dental chair and are wondering, "Why is my mouth still numb?", you're in good company. One of the most common questions patients ask after a dental appointment is how long the numbness will last — especially if they received local anesthesia for a procedure like a filling, crown, extraction, or deep cleaning.
At ESP Dental in Phoenix, we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about dental numbness: how long it typically lasts, what factors affect it, and when (if ever) to be concerned.
🕒 Typical Duration of Numbness After the Dentist
Most dental numbness from local anesthesia (like lidocaine or articaine) lasts between 1 to 5 hours. Here's a general breakdown:
Lidocaine: 1.5 to 2 hours of numbness
Articaine: 2 to 4 hours
Bupivacaine (rare): Up to 8 hours
Keep in mind that these are estimates. Your individual metabolism, age, weight, and circulation all influence how long the numbness lasts.
🧠 What Part of Your Mouth Was Numbed?
The length of time can also depend on which nerves were targeted:
Lower jaw (mandibular block): Numbness can last longer (up to 5 hours) due to deeper nerves
Upper jaw (infiltration): Typically wears off quicker (1 to 2 hours)
🍽️ When Can You Eat After Numbness?
It’s best to wait until full sensation returns before eating. Biting your tongue, cheeks, or lips is a real risk — especially for children. At ESP Dental, we recommend waiting at least 2 hours post-procedure or until the numbness has completely worn off.
⚠️ Is Prolonged Numbness After the Dentist Normal?
Numbness lasting longer than 5 hours is uncommon but not always alarming. However, you should call your dentist if:
You’re still numb after 6-8 hours
You experience tingling or burning
You have asymmetrical numbness that’s not improving
You feel pain instead of numbness
In very rare cases, a nerve may have been bruised, especially during wisdom tooth extractions or deep fillings near the nerve canal.
💡 How to Reduce Numbness Faster
While you can’t instantly reverse numbness, these tips may help stimulate circulation and speed up recovery:
Gently massage your cheek (outside your mouth)
Move your jaw and talk
Drink warm (not hot) fluids
Go for a light walk
👩⚕️ At ESP Dental, We Put Comfort First
Our team at ESP Dental in Phoenix uses the most precise and conservative anesthesia techniques possible to reduce side effects and ensure a smooth recovery. If you’re ever unsure about what you’re feeling after your visit — call us! We’re always happy to help.
📍 ESP Dental
4008 N 33rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017
📞 (602) 266-9659
🌐 espdental.com
