How long does dental numbness last? Eating, drinking and what to watch after local anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic for dental treatment usually lasts 1–3 hours in the upper jaw and 3–5 hours in the lower jaw. In the lower jaw the main branch of the nerve is numbed, so the lip, tongue and half the chin can stay numb for longer. Not eating or drinking hot drinks until the numbness wears off prevents accidental lip or cheek biting.
How long does the numbness last?
| Type of anaesthetic | Where? | Approx. duration of numbness |
|---|---|---|
| Infiltration | Most upper teeth, lower front teeth | 1–3 hours |
| Nerve block | Lower back teeth | 3–5 hours (lip and tongue) |
| Intraligamentary / single tooth | Procedures limited to one tooth | Shorter |
The duration depends on the drug used, the amount, your metabolism and the area.
Eating and drinking while numb
- Don't eat until the numbness wears off; you could bite your cheek, tongue or lip without noticing.
- Avoid hot tea and coffee; you can't feel the temperature and could burn your mouth.
- You can drink water and cool or lukewarm drinks; take care on the numb side.
- When you can eat after a filling depends on the type of filling. See dental fillings.
Children: watch for lip and cheek biting
Children may chew their lips or cheeks out of curiosity about the numb feeling, which shows up the next day as swelling and a sore. Watch your child after treatment and don't give food until the numbness has gone. For our approach with children, see children's dentist.
Palpitations, pallor and other sensations
Most dental anaesthetics contain adrenaline, which narrows blood vessels and prolongs the effect. Some people feel a brief racing heart or shakiness, which usually passes within minutes. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or a thyroid problem, are pregnant, or have reacted to an anaesthetic before, always say so before treatment; the drug and dose are chosen accordingly. See safe dental treatment with chronic conditions.
If the numbness doesn't wear off
Numbness lasting into the next day is rare. If numbness, tingling or loss of feeling lasts more than 24 hours, tell the dentist who treated you. Changes in sensation after procedures close to a nerve (such as removing a lower wisdom tooth) usually resolve by themselves within weeks, but they must be followed up.
Anaesthesia at Dent32
Before starting treatment we ask about your health and any medicines you take. If you can still feel anything during the procedure, just tell us; we don't continue until the anaesthetic has taken full effect. If you're anxious about the dentist, see for people with dental anxiety.
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does dental numbness last?
Usually 1–3 hours in the upper jaw and 3–5 hours in the lower jaw. It varies with the drug, the amount and the person.
Can I drink water while I'm numb?
Yes, water and cool or lukewarm drinks are fine. Avoid hot drinks and food until the numbness wears off.
Can I have a dental anaesthetic while breastfeeding?
Yes. Local anaesthetics used in dentistry are generally considered safe during breastfeeding; tell your dentist that you're breastfeeding.
What if I'm still numb the next day?
If numbness or loss of feeling lasts more than 24 hours, tell the dentist who treated you; it needs to be followed up.
