If you’ve ever had a cavity or root canal at the dentist, then you know exactly how strange and uncomfortable it is to have half of your mouth numbed for the procedure. While the side effects of a topical anesthetic during a dental treatment will eventually wear off on their own, it’s understandable why you might want them to dissipate even faster.
That’s why our dental professionals with Brian Homann, DDS, have compiled a short list of tips and tricks to ease your mind through this uncomfortable state.
- Distract Yourself Through Low-Key Exercises– Taking a brisk walk around the block or riding your bike are perfect ways to distract yourself when you don’t have any feeling in your mouth. Focusing on the movement of other parts of your body will make it easier to shift your attention away from the numbing sensation in your mouth. Due to other lingering side effects of the local anesthetic, it is recommended to avoid any strenuous physical activities for about 24 hours.
- Massage Your Lips Or Cheeks – If it’s been more than a few hours after your procedure, then starting to physically move these parts of your face can help stimulate feeling in these muscles again.
- Gently Wiggle Your Jaw –This seems to be one of the best methods to decrease numbness throughout your mouth over time. What you’ll want to do is move your jaw up and down, from side to side, and in a circular motion before repeating this entire process over again. Eventually, you should be able to bring back some feeling in your face again
- Move Your Tongue – Next to wiggling your jaw, this trick also does an excellent job of bringing sensation back to your face and mouth. Follow the same motions you would with your jaw for about five minutes, and the feeling should slowly begin returning as a result.
What Do Dentists Use To Numb Your Mouth?
The local anesthetic that is used to numb your face and mouth is usually lidocaine or an articaine and epinephrine combination injection. Both of these drugs are either directly injected into the area of the mouth where a procedure is being conducted or applied as a topical to that same area.
Avoid Eating Or Drinking Until Side Effects Wear Off
The area surrounding an injection site of a local anesthetic can be difficult to control for quite a while. It is wise to avoid drinking or eating anything until after the numbness of the local anesthesia wears off. Doing so too soon can cause an individual to dislodge any dental implants or harm the inside of the mouth. Lightly applying a warm compress to your cheek can help ease any soreness or pain in this area.
How Long Does Dentist Numbing Last?
The numbing effects of any type of anesthesia can typically last between two to five hours. Depending on the type of dental procedure you have, you might experience other lingering side effects of anesthesia for about 24 hours after your appointment. Beyond that, mild soreness around the injection site where the dentist numbed your mouth shouldn’t last for more than a few days. If there are any other complications, be sure to call your dentist to discuss the issue.
Schedule Your Next Appointment With Brian Homann, DDS
If you’re looking for a dentist in Elk Grove Village, Illinois that will put the utmost care into every appointment, look no further than Brian Homann, DDS. To book your next dental appointment with us, please call our office today.
