After dental procedures involving local anesthesia, it's common to experience numbness in the treated area. This numbness typically affects the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums and is a result of the anesthetic's effects on the nerves responsible for sensation in those areas.
The duration of numbness after dental work can vary depending on the type of anesthetic used, the amount administered, and individual factors such as metabolism and circulation. Generally, numbness from local anesthesia can last for several hours, usually ranging from two to five hours. During this time, it's essential to avoid biting or chewing on the numb area to prevent accidental injury.
