In some treatment cases, dentists may need to use dental anesthesia.
What exactly is dental anesthesia? What are its types? Have you ever wondered how long dental numbness lasts? When does the anesthesia wear off? And how can you get rid of dental numbness as quickly as possible?
This article covers everything you need to know about dental anesthesia.
What Is Dental Anesthesia?
Dentists use dental anesthesia in certain treatment procedures. It is essentially:
– A temporary anesthetic used during therapeutic procedures such as tooth extraction, root canal treatment, or filling a tooth.
– It is applied to the affected area to block pain during the dental procedure.
Types of Dental Anesthesia
The main types of dental anesthesia used in dental clinics include:
– Local anesthesia
– Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
– General anesthesia
When Does Dental Anesthesia Start Working?
Dental anesthesia works by numbing the nerves in the targeted area so you don’t feel pain during treatment.
It does not take long for dental anesthesia to numb the area being treated.
After your dentist injects or applies the anesthetic to the affected area, it usually takes about 90 seconds to a few minutes for it to start working.
When Does General Dental Anesthesia Wear Off?
General anesthesia used in dentistry typically needs about 45 minutes after the procedure for its main effect to wear off.
However, the duration of anesthesia varies depending on several factors, including:
– The amount (dose) of anesthetic used
– The type of anesthetic used
– Individual differences from one person to another
How to Make Dental Anesthesia Wear Off Faster
The following measures may help your body clear dental anesthesia more quickly:
– Using reversal injections (anesthetic reversal agents) when appropriate
– Applying warm compresses to the numbed area
– Gently massaging the numb area
– Relaxing and getting enough sleep
– Doing some light physical activity, if your condition allows
What Are the Side Effects of Dental Anesthesia?
Dental anesthesia is generally safe when administered by a qualified dentist at appropriate doses. However, some temporary side effects may occur after using dental anesthesia, such as:
– Swelling or puffiness in the face
– Numbness of the lips or cheeks
– Mild dizziness
– Itching due to an allergic reaction to the anesthetic
– Nausea and vomiting
Does Dental Anesthesia Cause Allergies?
– Most patients do not experience an allergic reaction to dental anesthesia.
– In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction.
– A severe allergic reaction can lead to difficulty breathing and requires immediate medical attention.
Does Dental Anesthesia Affect the Lip?
– You may feel temporary numbness in the lip, which goes away once the anesthetic wears off.
– Dental anesthesia does not damage the lip itself; problems usually occur only if you accidentally bite your lip due to stress or because you cannot feel it while it’s numb.
When Is It Not Recommended to Use Dental Anesthesia?
You should avoid dental anesthesia or at least inform your dentist about your condition so they can adjust the plan if you have:
– Pregnancy or are currently breastfeeding
– Chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure
Dr. Fares Maatouk
– Bachelor’s degree in Dental Medicine and Surgery from Al-Qalamoun University – Damascus
– Completed multiple courses in cosmetic dentistry and smile design
– 11 years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry
Areas of interest and expertise:
– All types of dental prosthetics (bridges, dental crowns, and porcelain veneers such as veneers and Lumineers)
– Cosmetic dental services (cosmetic fillings, tooth restoration, Hollywood smile)
– Comprehensive smile makeover planning
– Root canal treatment and tooth extractions
