“How long will my mouth be numb after a filling?”

It totally depends on the type of anesthesia used by your dentist. For the filling procedures the routine local anesthesia used is (Lidocaine HCL 2% 1:100000 Epinephrine) which lasts about 1.5 hour.

About 2 hours is average

2-3 hours

There are three common ways to numb a tooth. A block is used on the lower teeth and upper back teeth and can last for hours. An infiltration is used mostly on the upper arch and may start wearing off at the end of the appointment. Single tooth anesthesia lasts only a short time. A lower block feel very profound because it also numbs the lower lip and tongue. You need to be careful not to bite yourself. I tell my patients, if it feels like rubber, don't bite it!

Richard Hoadley

This is usually dependent on your body's metabolism. Generally speaking, on a routine filling, the numbness should wear off after about an hour and a half. I have found that drinking hot liquids after the procedure can help the numbing go away faster.

Hello,

The amount of time the numbness lasts after a filling depends on a couple of factors. First of all, there are a number of different anesthetics that can be used. These anesthetics have differences, but one of the main differences is the amount of time they are in effect. Some of them can last only 20 minutes or so; which others can last up to 8 hours. Usually the dentist doing the filling will use lidocaine (or something with the same amount of time of activation). Lidocaine will usually last 1-2 hours from the time it is given.
Secondly, the person's metabolism for anesthetics plays a large role. The reason for the range for lidocaine lasting 1 to 2 hours is an average. Some people it will only last an hour while others it will last 2 hours (some people it only lasts 20 minutes!).
The final aspect to consider is the amount of time it takes to do the filling. The doctor may give the anesthesia, leave, comes back 20 minutes later and do a couple of fillings for 40 minutes. That is 1 hour after the anesthesia was given. If the anesthesia only lasts one hour in that person, it will start to wear off as they are leaving the office (or they can still have the numbness for another hour). Hope this helps.

My best to you!

William F. Scott IV, DMD

Usually about 2-3 hours

It depends on the type of anesthetic used and where the injection was given. You are generally can be "numb" 2 to 4 hours. If, bupivacaine was used you maybe numb greater than 6 hours. I have had patients experience anesthesia greater than 12 hours. It depends on the type of anesthetic and your metabolism of the medication.

Depends on how much anesthetic and what kind of anesthesia you received. Generally 30 minutes to two hours after you leave the office.