How to Make the Numbness Go Away After the Dentist

As someone who has undergone various dental procedures over the years, I can attest to how frustrating it can be to deal with numbness after getting a filling, root canal, or even a simple cleaning. I remember the first time I had a dental procedure that required anesthesia, and I couldn’t feel my lips, tongue, or the side of my face for hours afterward. While numbness is completely normal after certain dental treatments, it can make everyday activities like eating, talking, or drinking quite challenging. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the recovery process and make that annoying numbness go away faster. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about dealing with post-dental numbness and offer some tips on how to make it go away more quickly.

1. Why Does Numbness Occur After a Dental Procedure?

Before diving into how to relieve the numbness, it’s important to understand why it happens in the first place. Numbness after dental work is a result of the local anesthesia that the dentist uses to numb the area where the procedure will take place. Local anesthesia works by blocking the nerves from transmitting pain signals, so you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. While this is a great thing when you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair, it also means that your nerves are temporarily shut off, which leads to the numb feeling in your mouth, lips, tongue, and sometimes even your face.

The numbing effect usually wears off after a few hours, but in some cases, it can take a little longer. The duration of numbness depends on the type of anesthesia used, the area numbed, and how your body processes the anesthesia. For most people, the numbness fades within a few hours, but it can be uncomfortable while it lasts. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help speed up the process and make it more bearable.

2. Wait It Out (But Be Prepared)

While it might seem obvious, the first and easiest way to deal with numbness after a dental procedure is simply to wait for it to wear off. Local anesthesia is designed to wear off gradually, and for the most part, it’s best to give your body time to naturally process and eliminate the numbing agents from your system. The numbness usually peaks within the first few hours and then starts to gradually subside.

During this time, try to avoid any activities that could be affected by the numbness, such as eating or drinking hot liquids. Because you won’t have full control over your mouth, there’s a risk of accidentally biting your tongue or lip, or even burning yourself with hot foods or drinks. It’s best to rest, take it easy, and give your body time to heal.

3. Gently Massage the Area

While waiting for the numbness to fade naturally, one technique that can help is gently massaging the area that is still numb. This can increase blood circulation to the affected region and help to speed up the recovery process. For example, gently massaging your cheeks or the side of your jaw where the anesthesia was administered can encourage the numbing agent to leave your system more quickly.

However, be careful not to apply too much pressure or massage too roughly. Your tissues might still be sensitive from the dental procedure, and you don’t want to cause any unnecessary discomfort. A gentle, soothing massage can be just the right touch to stimulate circulation and help the numbness dissipate faster.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is important for all aspects of health, but it can also help speed up the numbing process after a dental procedure. Drinking water helps flush out the anesthetic drugs from your system, allowing the body to process and eliminate them more quickly. Although you may not feel like drinking much while you're numb, staying hydrated can actually help reduce the time it takes for the numbness to go away.

If you’re feeling thirsty, try sipping on cool water slowly. Avoid drinking hot liquids until the numbness subsides to avoid accidentally burning yourself. Staying hydrated also helps your body heal from the dental procedure, as the extra fluid can promote healing of any potential irritation or swelling.

5. Avoid Chewing or Biting

One of the most important things to remember while you’re numb is to avoid chewing or biting your mouth, lips, or tongue. Because the area is numb, you may not realize that you’re applying too much pressure, which can lead to painful bites, cuts, or even damage to your soft tissues. The numbness can cause you to lose control over your muscles, making it easy to bite yourself without even noticing.

If you absolutely must eat or drink, it’s important to choose soft foods and take extra care. Try to stick to foods that won’t require much chewing, like mashed potatoes or yogurt. Be mindful of what you’re doing so that you don’t accidentally harm yourself while the anesthesia is still in effect.

6. If Numbness Persists, Contact Your Dentist

While numbness usually subsides within a few hours, there are cases where it can last longer than expected. If you find that the numbness lasts for more than a day or two, or if you experience any unusual symptoms like intense pain, dizziness, or swelling, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist. Prolonged numbness can sometimes be a sign of nerve irritation or an issue related to the anesthesia injection itself.

Your dentist will be able to assess your situation and determine if further action is necessary. In some cases, they may recommend additional treatments to address any complications, but in most cases, the numbness will resolve on its own with a bit more time.

7. Conclusion: Be Patient and Take Care

Experiencing numbness after a dental procedure is a normal part of the healing process, but it can be uncomfortable while it lasts. By understanding why numbness occurs and taking steps to speed up the recovery, like staying hydrated, gently massaging the area, and avoiding biting or chewing, you can make the process more manageable.

If you find that the numbness lasts longer than expected, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for advice. With a little patience, the numbness will eventually fade, and you can go back to enjoying normal activities without any discomfort.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to care for your teeth after a dental procedure, check out Dentistry Toothtruth for helpful advice and resources to make your dental experience as smooth as possible!