Dental freezing, also known as local anesthesia, typically lasts between 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on several factors such as the type of anesthetic used, the area being treated, the specific dental procedure, and individual metabolism. In some cases, particularly with procedures involving the lower jaw where the bone is denser and nerve block injections are used, the numbness can last longer, sometimes up to 6 to 8 hours. Common anesthetics like lidocaine usually numb the area for about 1 to 2 hours, and others like articaine may last a bit longer. Generally, numbness should start to wear off within a few hours after the dental appointment.
Factors Influencing Duration
- Type of anesthetic: Lidocaine, articaine, bupivacaine, and others have different durations.
- Treatment area: Lower jaw injections may last longer due to denser bone and nerve blocks.
- Procedure type: More invasive procedures might require longer-lasting anesthesia.
- Individual metabolism: Body chemistry and how fast a person processes anesthesia affect duration.
Average Duration by Anesthetic
- Lidocaine: around 1 to 2 hours
- Articaine: around 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Others like bupivacaine or prilocaine may last longer, sometimes over 3 hours or more.
If numbness lasts unusually long (beyond 5-8 hours) or if there is persistent tingling or pain, it is advisable to consult the dentist as it might indicate a rare complication.
In summary, dental freezing usually lasts 1 to 3 hours, sometimes longer depending on the mentioned factors, and should gradually wear off within that timeframe.
