Dental freezing, or local anesthesia, typically lasts from an hour or two up to six to eight hours.
The exact duration of dental freezing varies significantly. According to Stoney Creek Dental, the numbing effect could last as little as an hour or two or as long as six to eight hours. This timeframe is not fixed and depends primarily on two key factors:
- The type of anesthetic used: Different anesthetic agents have varying durations of action. Some are designed for shorter procedures, while others provide longer-lasting numbness for more extensive work.
- The patient's reaction to it: Individual patient physiology and metabolism can influence how quickly the body processes the anesthetic, affecting how long the freezing lasts.
After your dental procedure is completed, you should notice a gradual return of sensation and movement in the affected area over time.
Factors Influencing Freezing Duration:
- Type of Anesthetic: Longer-acting anesthetics are used for complex or lengthy procedures.
- Patient Metabolism: How quickly your body breaks down the drug.
- Location of Injection: Numbing might last longer in certain areas of the mouth.
- Presence of Vasoconstrictors: Often added to anesthesia to constrict blood vessels, which keeps the anesthetic in the area longer and can extend the numbing effect.
Understanding that the duration can vary helps manage expectations after a dental appointment. While some patients may feel normal sensation return within a couple of hours, others might experience numbness for much longer.
