Local anesthesia is one of the most important tools that enables modern dentistry to offer comfortable and painless treatment. However, for many patients, fear of needles, the feeling of numbness or the worry that the anesthesia will not work can be the most dreaded part of treatment. Knowing how anesthesia works, how long it lasts and in which situations its effect may decrease helps reduce these concerns. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we have prepared this guide for our patients in Türkiye to answer the most frequently asked questions about the role of local anesthesia in dental treatment.
How Does Local Anesthesia Work?
Local anesthetics temporarily prevent the nerves in the area where they are applied from transmitting pain signals. In this way, the patient remains conscious and awake while not feeling pain in the area being treated. The sense of touch and pressure, however, is often preserved; for this reason, feeling pressure, vibration or movement during treatment is normal and does not mean that the anesthesia has not worked.
Application Methods
Topical anesthesia: A gel or spray applied to the gum before the needle is inserted reduces the feeling of the needle.
Infiltration anesthesia: It is applied near the tooth to be treated; it is commonly used especially in the upper jaw and on the lower front teeth.
Nerve block anesthesia: Especially for lower molars, it is applied close to the point where the nerve passes in order to numb a wider area. It can also cause numbness in part of the lip, chin and tongue.
Additional techniques: When necessary, supplementary methods applied into the gum pocket or into the bone can be used.
How Long Does the Numbness Last?
The duration varies according to the anesthetic used, the amount applied, the application method and personal characteristics. While numbness in the tooth and gum usually lasts a shorter time, numbness in the lip and cheek can continue for a few hours. With lower jaw nerve block anesthesia, the numbness may last longer. Not eating and avoiding hot drinks until the numbness wears off prevents you from unknowingly biting or burning your lip or cheek.
Why Does Anesthesia Sometimes Not Work?
Severe inflammation: Changes in inflamed tissues can reduce the effectiveness of the anesthetic.
Anatomical differences: Individual differences in the position of nerves or additional nerve branches.
Dense bone structure: Thick bone, especially in the lower molar region, can make it difficult for the anesthetic to spread.
High level of anxiety: Anxiety can increase the perception of pain.
Insufficient waiting time: It can take a few minutes for the anesthesia to take full effect.
In this case, your dentist can apply additional anesthesia or use a different technique. If you feel pain during treatment, be sure to say so; the procedure should not continue until your comfort is ensured.
Are Palpitations After Anesthesia Normal?
Some anesthetic solutions contain a vasoconstrictor to prolong the effect and reduce bleeding. In some people, this substance can cause short-lived palpitations, trembling or a feeling of excitement. This usually passes within a few minutes and is not an allergy. Anxiety can also cause similar symptoms. If you have experienced such symptoms, it is recommended that you inform your dentist at your next treatment.
Can You Be Allergic to Local Anesthesia?
True allergy to the local anesthetics used in dentistry today is very rare. Most reactions experienced are related to anxiety or the vasoconstrictor. If you have previously experienced allergic symptoms related to anesthesia, such as a rash, itching, shortness of breath or facial swelling, be sure to inform your dentist. If necessary, an evaluation by an allergy specialist can be done.
Special Situations
Heart disease and high blood pressure: The anesthetic and its amount are chosen according to your general condition; be sure to report your medications and illnesses.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Local anesthesia with an appropriate agent and dose is considered usable.
Children: The dose is carefully calculated according to the child’s weight; supervision against lip biting after the procedure is important.
Blood thinner use: Extra care may be required with some techniques such as nerve blocks.
Thyroid and other diseases: Share all your health conditions with your dentist.
What to Pay Attention to While Numb
While the numbness lasts, be careful not to bite your lip, cheek and tongue; children in particular may bite their lips out of curiosity during this period. Avoid hot drinks and foods, because you may not be able to feel the heat. A slight feeling of weakness in the lip while talking or drinking is normal and disappears as the effect of the anesthesia wears off.
Prolonged Numbness After Anesthesia
Numbness usually goes away within a few hours. Rarely, especially after nerve block anesthesia, the change in sensation may last longer. If the numbness continues into the next day, inform your clinic.
Our Approach to Comfortable Anesthesia
At DijiDent, we prioritize our patients’ comfort with steps such as topical anesthesia, slow and controlled administration and waiting for the anesthesia to take full effect. During treatment, we regularly ask whether you are comfortable and apply additional anesthesia when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Numbness in the lip and cheek usually lasts a few hours; the duration varies according to the agent and technique.
Severe inflammation, anatomical differences and dense bone structure can reduce effectiveness; additional anesthesia can be applied.
Generally not. The vasoconstrictor or anxiety can cause short-lived palpitations.
Yes. The anesthetic and its amount are chosen according to your general condition.
It is not recommended; you may bite your lip or cheek or burn yourself with hot foods.
A painless and comfortable treatment experience.
Contact us to book an appointment with your questions or concerns about anesthesia. Let us plan your treatment with your comfort as a priority at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. It is important that you inform your dentist of all your health conditions and the medications you use before treatment.
