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What Causes Numbness In Mouth All Day After Local Anesthesia Administration?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015
Question: I had a dental procedure today. The anesthetic worked fine at first but it wore off quickly. The dentist mentioned that i "processed" the anesthetic quickly. Then the tech mentioned it THREE more times, adding that for most people it lasts for four hours. My cheek stayed numb all day making it hard to talk or eat but during the procedure i was very sensitive to cold air and water. The tech made me feel as though I've done something wrong or I'm a druggie or something. I don't do drugs, i do drink wine occasionally and just had a physical including labs that showed im in great health. Why would the anesthetic wear off so quickly and why would the dental staff make me feel so awkward about it? Is this common?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
reduced amount of anesthesia, infection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far the numbness following administration of the local anesthesia is concerned, Usually the anesthesia will work for 1-2hours depending upon the amount of anesthesia deposited, the site where it is injected. Since you are telling you had numbness for whole day, it indicates the local anesthesia is working. The failure to achieve anesthesia or early recovery from the anesthetic effect can be because of the improper technique or reduced amount of injection of local anesthesia. The other possible cause can be severe infection, that reduces the function of local anesthesia. It is a technical mistake from the doctors, nothing wrong with you.
So nothing to be panic, there is nothing to make you feel awkward regarding this. In one way it is good to recover from anesthetic effect soon after the procedure.
I hope my answer will help you, take care.
If any queries are there, reply me back.
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S

Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 3377 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In Mouth All Day After Local Anesthesia Administration?

Brief Answer: reduced amount of anesthesia, infection. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query. As far the numbness following administration of the local anesthesia is concerned, Usually the anesthesia will work for 1-2hours depending upon the amount of anesthesia deposited, the site where it is injected. Since you are telling you had numbness for whole day, it indicates the local anesthesia is working. The failure to achieve anesthesia or early recovery from the anesthetic effect can be because of the improper technique or reduced amount of injection of local anesthesia. The other possible cause can be severe infection, that reduces the function of local anesthesia. It is a technical mistake from the doctors, nothing wrong with you. So nothing to be panic, there is nothing to make you feel awkward regarding this. In one way it is good to recover from anesthetic effect soon after the procedure. I hope my answer will help you, take care. If any queries are there, reply me back.