How Long Does Dental Freezing Last?

Dental anesthesia

Dental treatments such as a root canal treatment can be pretty nerve-wracking for many people, but the good news is that Dr. Lok is on Dundas and we can help. With local anesthesia you can help you feel more at ease and minimize any discomfort.

Whether getting a simple filling or a more complex procedure like a root canal or extraction, having dental numbing can make your experience much more comfortable and pain-free. We often get questions about how long dental numbing lasts, and at David Lok Dentistry, we’re here to provide all the details and reassure you ahead of your treatment.

Getting Local
Local anesthesia is a technique that dentists use to temporarily block pain in a specific area of your mouth during dental procedures. The most common type we use is lidocaine, which Dr. Lok carefully administers near the treatment area. It works by blocking nerve signals, effectively numbing the area and preventing pain.

Duration
The duration of the numbing effect can vary based on several factors, including the type of anesthesia used. Different anesthetics wear off at other times. For example, plain lidocaine typically lasts for one to two hours, while lidocaine with epinephrine can extend the numbing effect to two to four hours.

Feeling no pain
Dr. Lok selects the right anesthetic based on your procedure and specific needs. In addition to the type of anesthetic, the injection site and individual factors like metabolism and dosage can also influence how long the numbness lasts. Dr. Lok considers all these aspects to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure and afterward. After your dental procedure, managing the numbing effect as it wears off is essential.

Freezing tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid Chewing: Wait until the numbness has subsided to prevent accidentally biting your tongue, cheek, or lips.
• Be Careful with Hot Drinks: Wait until the numbness has wholly subsided before sipping hot beverages to avoid burns.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keep up your oral care routine, but be mindful as the numbness might affect your ability to brush and floss effectively.
• Avoid Numbing Products: It’s best to refrain from using over-the-counter numbing gels unless directed by Dr. Lok.
• Follow Instructions Closely: For the best outcome, communicate openly with Dr. Lok about any pain concerns during the procedure or any lingering numbness afterward.

Now that you know about the duration of dental numbing, why not book your appointment with David Lok Dentistry? The numbing is temporary, but the results of your treatment can last a lifetime! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!