How long does dental anaesthesia last? Numbness after injections, extractions and fillings

Key facts

• Upper teeth: soft-tissue numbness often 1–3 hours
• Lower teeth with a nerve block: often 3–5 hours
• Wait until feeling returns before eating solids
• Supervise children so they do not bite a numb lip
• Numbness beyond about 24 hours should be checked

How dental local anaesthetic works

A local anaesthetic temporarily blocks nerve signals in a specific area so you feel pressure but not sharp pain. Before the injection, many dentists apply a numbing gel or spray to the gum so the needle is less noticeable. For upper teeth, the anaesthetic is usually placed next to the tooth and spreads through the thinner bone; for lower back teeth, the dense bone often requires a nerve block near the back of the jaw, which numbs half of the lower lip, chin and tongue. Commonly used anaesthetics include lidocaine and articaine, often with a small amount of adrenaline that keeps the anaesthetic in place longer.

How long does numbness last?

Every person and procedure is different, but as a general guide, the tooth itself may feel numb for about an hour or two, while the soft tissues — lip, cheek and tongue — stay numb longer. For upper teeth, soft-tissue numbness commonly lasts around one to three hours. For lower back teeth with a nerve block, it often lasts three to five hours. Longer procedures, more anaesthetic, the type of drug used and individual metabolism all affect the timing. After wisdom tooth removal, numbness typically lasts several hours. Gentle activity and normal blood flow help it wear off; nothing reliably speeds it up at home.

Eating, drinking and children while numb

Wait until feeling has returned before eating solid food. While numb, it is very easy to bite your lip, cheek or tongue hard enough to cause painful sores, or to burn your mouth on hot drinks. If you must have something, choose cool drinks and soft food, and chew on the opposite side. Children are especially prone to chewing or sucking a numb lip, which can look like a swollen ulcer the next day. Parents should supervise them until the numbness wears off and explain why they should not bite. Topical numbing sprays and gels help make injections more comfortable for children.

Normal sensations and side effects

As the anaesthetic wears off, tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling is normal. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common, particularly after a lower nerve block. Some people notice a temporary racing heartbeat right after the injection due to the adrenaline; it settles within minutes. Rarely, the face may feel temporarily weak on one side if the anaesthetic spreads to a facial nerve branch, which resolves as the anaesthetic wears off. Tell your dentist about heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, allergies and medicines so the anaesthetic can be chosen appropriately.

When to worry about lingering numbness — Manhal in Dubai

Contact the clinic if numbness of the lip, chin or tongue lasts more than about 24 hours after an extraction or injection, especially after lower wisdom tooth removal, because this can indicate nerve irritation that needs assessment and follow-up. Seek urgent care for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a rash after an injection. At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, Dr. Moataz Al-Khan, a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Dr. Manhal Helfawee, consultant implantologist, carry out extractions and implant surgery under local anaesthesia and give written aftercare advice. General anaesthesia is not offered at the clinic.

When a tooth can't be saved, careful extraction protects the surrounding bone for future replacement. We discuss implant or bridge options before the tooth is removed.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan, Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.