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How long will there be numbness after wisdom teeth extraction?
A local anesthetic is a drug, injected at a specific site, to temporarily block pain. The medication tends to block all sensation to that area of the body, causing numbness.
Dentists use local anesthetic, injected into the cheek or gums, to keep patients comfortable during and immediately after a procedure. For example, a wisdom tooth extraction.
Most people refer to local anesthesia as “Novocain,” which actually isn’t used today. Several drugs which are more effective and less likely to cause allergic reaction are available. The injections may also include other chemicals to help them work better and last longer, so you need fewer shots. A block injection numbs a whole section of your mouth. This method might be used for a large tooth or multiple extractions in one area. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller, specific area.
Dr. Peter Cha and Dr. Danny Dinh are experienced at selecting the best “local” for your individual needs, based on your medical history and the procedure to be performed. The doctor will first dry the area to be numbed, and apply an analgesic gel to take the “ouch” out of the injection. After giving the anesthetic time to take effect, the wisdom tooth will be extracted painlessly.
Local anesthetic usually takes several hours to wear off completely, depending on the amount used, the mix of drugs, the injection site, and your own body chemistry.
When you leave our office, you will likely still have numbness, and may not be able to speak clearly or eat right away. Expect this to last one-to-three hours, up to six hours for a more involved procedure. Meanwhile, you must be careful that you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. Drinking warm (not hot) liquids sometimes helps diffuse the anesthetic more quickly.
In rare cases local anesthetic can cause swelling or numbness beyond the injection site, even up to the eyelid. This is not alarming and will wear off.
The professional staff at Family Smile Center is just a phone call away if you have concerns following your wisdom tooth extraction.
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Most people refer to local anesthesia as “Novocain,” which actually isn’t used today. Several drugs which are more effective and less likely to cause allergic reaction are available. The injections may also include other chemicals to help them work better and last longer, so you need fewer shots. A block injection numbs a whole section of your mouth. This method might be used for a large tooth or multiple extractions in one area. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller, specific area.
Dr. Peter Cha and Dr. Danny Dinh are experienced at selecting the best “local” for your individual needs, based on your medical history and the procedure to be performed. The doctor will first dry the area to be numbed, and apply an analgesic gel to take the “ouch” out of the injection. After giving the anesthetic time to take effect, the wisdom tooth will be extracted painlessly.
Local anesthetic usually takes several hours to wear off completely, depending on the amount used, the mix of drugs, the injection site, and your own body chemistry.
When you leave our office, you will likely still have numbness, and may not be able to speak clearly or eat right away. Expect this to last one-to-three hours, up to six hours for a more involved procedure. Meanwhile, you must be careful that you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. Drinking warm (not hot) liquids sometimes helps diffuse the anesthetic more quickly.
In rare cases local anesthetic can cause swelling or numbness beyond the injection site, even up to the eyelid. This is not alarming and will wear off.
The professional staff at Family Smile Center is just a phone call away if you have concerns following your wisdom tooth extraction.
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The entire staff was amazing! I was a new patient with a wicked tooth ache! They took me in the same day, put me on antibiotics and called me when there was a cancellation. They treated me with the utmost respect and care!!
~ Casey S. - Frederick
