When local anesthesia is used during a dental procedure, some residual numbness is not uncommon. However, if this numbness lasts longer than expected, it can be unsettling.
While most spells of numbness often normalize and resolve themselves with time, understanding the cause of numbness and knowing when to seek professional help is essential to ensuring a smooth, complication-free recovery.
Common Causes of Prolonged Numbness
Numbness usually results from the use of local anesthetic during a dental procedure. This reduces the sensation in the nerves in the area being treated, keeping the patient comfortable and pain-free for the duration of the treatment. For most patients, this numbness wears off within a few hours (about 2-6 hours), but certain factors may delay this. For example, more invasive procedures addressing deeper tissues or nerves may cause prolonged numbness. Also, bruising or swelling around the nerve can sometimes delay recovery.
Additionally, prolonged numbness is more likely in the aftermath of a tooth extraction, root canal, or dental implant surgery due to the presence of major nerves, like the inferior alveolar nerve, in the lower jaw.
Managing Post-Procedure Numbness and Discomfort
After a procedure, it’s important to rest the affected area and take over-the-counter pain relief/anti-inflammatory medication as necessary to reduce swelling and promote recovery. As long as the numbness persists, it’s best to avoid biting or chewing with the affected side of the mouth. You might not realize how much force you exert and wind up biting your lip or tongue, causing discomfort or injury.
Your dentist might also recommend using a warm compress and gently massaging your jaw to help restore full circulation to the affected area. Gentle jaw exercises, like opening and closing your mouth slowly, can also help speed up your recovery.
When to Contact Your Dentist
In rare cases, nerve damage can cause prolonged numbness. If the feeling lasts more than 12 hours — and definitely if numbness lingers for more than a day or two — or is accompanied by sharp pain, tingling, or a loss of taste, contact your dentist. Prolonged numbness beyond a couple of days might require further evaluation or a follow-up procedure.
Safe, Pain-Free Dental Care With Sedation Dentistry in Lakeland, FL
If you want to learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry in Lakeland FL and the many precautions we take to ensure a stress-free experience during and after your treatment, contact Dr. Vernon Smith and the friendly and knowledgeable team here at Quality Dental Care of Lakeland to schedule a consultation!