Dental freezing, another name for local anesthesia, can last from one to five hours. Dentists control the duration by the type, the placement, and the dental procedure it’s used for.
Factors Affecting the Length of Dental Freezing
Dental freezing is simply numbing a part of the mouth to perform a procedure. This is done with a needle injection and typically starts with a topical numbing solution to numb the area injected.
The length of the numbness depends on several factors, including the type of drug used, dosage, where it’s injected, the age and health of the patient, their metabolism, and whether vasoconstrictors are used.
Duration by Anesthetic Type
Some anesthetics have a shorter duration:
Lidocaine
1-2 hours
Articaine
1-2 hours
Bupivacaine
Up to 4 hours
Duration by Injection Location
Upper Jaw
Injections into the upper jaw can last up to 3 hours.
Lower Jaw (Nerve Block)
A nerve block to the lower jaw typically lasts between 2-5 hours.
Lips, Tongue & Cheeks
Injections into the lips, tongue, and cheeks can last up to 6 hours.
Higher doses and multiple shots are going to carry a longer effect.
Those with a higher metabolism are going to see it wear off more quickly.
When Dentists Use Dental Freezing
Local anesthetics are used during procedures that are considered invasive and that would cause pain otherwise. Some procedures where dental freezing is necessary include:
Note: Dental freezing is safe for most people, although children and older adults will react differently to it, and that includes recovery times.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery is fairly simple for most dental patients. Numbness lessens over the next few hours. There could be tingling sensations, like when you feel in your hand or feet after waking up from falling asleep. You may still feel pressure when you touch your face, but are still numb to pain.
Dental pain sometimes feels like the pain of the procedure once the anesthetic wears off. It depends on the procedure done. Your dentist will inform you specifically of what type of pain to expect once the numbness fades. They may tell you to continue with over-the-counter pain medication or other techniques to relieve pain.
Pain Relief Options After Anesthetic Wears Off
Ice Packs
Apply to reduce swelling and numb pain
Warm Compress
Help relax muscles and improve circulation
Warm Liquids
Sip tea or broth for soothing relief
Soft Foods
Eat soft foods until pain decreases
Decreasing Recovery Time After Deep Freezing
The time it takes to come out of deep freezing after a dental procedure can be slightly reduced by:
- Giving the area a light massage with your fingers
- Gently moving your jaw or tongue around to improve circulation
- Doing a light activity like walking to get blood circulating throughout your body
⚠️ You should get your dentist’s approval for post-procedure activity and pain-management plans.
Should You Be Concerned?
Local anesthetics should pose no concerns for you. You may experience other symptoms like slight swelling and difficulty eating, but those are normal while the numbness continues.
The time for concern is if:
- Numbness continues after 8 hours
- You feel pain, extreme swelling, and trouble speaking or eating after several hours
- You have a fever, nausea, or other similar symptoms
⚠️ If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. For urgent dental concerns after a procedure, contact our emergency dentist in Burlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Dental Anesthesia?
We can explain how and when these types of anesthetics are used and what to do during the recovery process. We are happy to answer questions!