Patients often ask us: “How long does dental freezing last?”
Dental freezing usually lasts between 1 to 4 hours.
How long it lasts depends on the type of anesthetic, the procedure, and how your body responds.
At Junction Family Dental Care, we understand that not knowing what to expect can make patients anxious.
In this guide, we will explain what to expect before, during, and after your appointment, so you can feel confident and prepared.
“Dental freezing” means using local anesthesia to numb part of your mouth before dental work.
You typically get a shot near the tooth or gum that is being treated.
This numbing medicine blocks pain signals from reaching your brain, making the process more comfortable.
You often use dental freezing for procedures like:
If you want to know what to expect during recovery after a tooth extraction, check out our post about it.
Most patients feel a small pinch during the injection.
At The Junction, we use gentle techniques to make the process easier.
This includes using numbing gel before the injection and delivering the anesthetic slowly.
Many patients are surprised at how little discomfort they experience.
In fact, getting numbed is often easier than they expected.
Dental freezing usually lasts between 1 and 4 hours, but this can vary based on a few factors:
1. Type of anesthetic used
Short-acting anesthetics wear off in about 60 to 90 minutes.
Long-acting anesthetics can last 3 to 4 hours and are often used for more complex procedures.
2. Location of the injection
Freezing in the lower jaw (mandibular block) typically lasts longer than in the upper jaw due to the structure of the nerves.
3. Your body’s metabolism
Some people process anesthetics faster, which means the numbness wears off more quickly.
4. Amount of anesthetic given
More complicated procedures may need higher doses, which can lead to longer-lasting numbness.
After getting dental work done, you might notice some tingling, numbness, or a heavy feeling in your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
It could feel a bit tricky to speak clearly, chew, or swallow at first.
Some people even say they feel a weird swelling sensation, even if their face looks fine.
But don’t worry, these feelings are normal.
They come from the local anesthetic that keeps you comfy during the procedure.
The numbness will wear off gradually, and soon you'll be back to normal.
This goes for wisdom teeth removal, root canals, dental implants, and similar procedures alike.
Since dental freezing can stick around for a few hours, you've got to be careful to avoid any accidents.
Try not to chew while you're numb, or you might accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
Soft foods and drinks are the best bet until the feeling comes back.
Skip the hot drinks, too, because you might not notice how hot they are and end up burning your mouth.
And it's a good idea to avoid chewing gum since it can irritate your mouth or lead to accidental nicks.
If numbness is affecting your speaking or eating, you may want it to go away quickly. While you can't immediately reverse the numbness, you can try a few things:
1. Gently massage the area, but only if your dentist says it's safe.
2. Engage in light physical activity, like walking, to improve circulation.
3. Once it’s safe, eat soft, warm (not hot) foods.
Freezing usually wears off in about 4 hours.
You should contact your dentist if:
These cases are rare, but they could mean there’s a reaction or nerve irritation that needs professional help.
Not everyone feels the effects of anesthesia the same way, so how long for dental freezing to wear off is not equal to a 100% standard time frame.
Some people experience the effects wearing off faster, and others stay numb longer.
Your dentist will ask about your health to make sure you get the right anesthesia for you.
How long does dental freezing last?
The numbness from an anesthetic usually lasts between 1 and 4 hours.
This can vary based on the type of anesthetic, the treatment area, and how your body processes it.
While you are numb, be careful not to chew, drink hot beverages, or speak until the feeling comes back.
If the numbness lasts longer than expected or feels uncomfortable, contact your dentist.
At Junction Family Dental Care in Toronto, we ensure that your treatment is pain-free and your recovery goes smoothly.
Call us today or book an appointment online.
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