Sedation and Anesthesia
Numbing (dental numbness)
Dental numbness is the loss of feeling in part of the mouth caused by local anesthetic. It lets the dentist work without pain in that area and wears off over time.
Numbing comes from a local anesthetic, a medicine that blocks the nerves that sense pain in a small part of the mouth. The dentist may first apply a topical gel to the surface, then give an injection. Injectable anesthetics are used for fillings, crown preparation, and gum treatment.
The lip, cheek, or tongue may stay numb after you leave. This is normal, but it raises the chance of biting yourself without feeling it. Wait until feeling returns before eating hot food or chewing hard.
A nerve block numbs a wider area than a single-tooth injection. If you still feel pain during treatment, say so. Your dentist can add more anesthetic. See also articaine and dental anxiety.