Why does tooth numbness not go away?

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Publication date: 05/11/1404
Editing date: 05/13/1404
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Study time: 8 minutes
Confirmed by: Dr. Nazi Banianian

❌ Why doesn't tooth numbness go away?

Damage to the nerves around the tooth
Using long-acting or higher dose anesthetics
Inflammation or infection in the treatment area
Neurological disorders or Metabolic
Error in the injection site of anesthesia
Unusual reaction of the body to anesthetic drug

What can we do to make the numbness of our teeth go away sooner?

Drinking warm liquids
Gentle massage of the cheek and around the jaw along with slow movements of the jaw and tongue
Using a warm compress on the face
Adequate rest and abstinence From pressure to the area
Avoid eating food with the numb side

Table of contents

Approved by Dr. Benianian dental specialists

The content of this article is only to increase your awareness. Before taking any action, seek advice from dentistry Dr. Benyanian.

Long-term tooth numbness is one of the most common side effects that occur after dental treatments such as root canal treatment, filling tooth, dental surgery or tooth extraction occurs.

This complication should naturally resolve after a few hours. But in some cases it may take days or even weeks to heal! This issue worries patients and makes them search the Internet to find out why the numbness of their teeth does not go away. Therefore, in this article from Dr. Benianian's dental website, we intend to investigate the reasons for the persistence of tooth numbness, the factors affecting this numbness, treatment methods and related preventive tips. So, to get more information in this field, stay with us until the end of this article.

What is tooth numbness?

Tooth numbness is a temporary loss of sensation in the tooth or jaw area, which is usually caused by using local anesthetic drugs. These drugs temporarily prevent the nerves from transmitting pain and sensation messages to the brain.

A study published in 2020 in the Journal of Endodontics shows that about 1 to 3% of patients may experience long-term numbness after the injection of anesthetic, the main cause of which is temporary nerve damage or inflammation. (Source: Malamed SF. Management of local anesthetic complications. J Endod. 2020;46(8):1157-1163.)

What is meant by long-term anesthesia?

Long-term anesthesia is a condition in which after a dental treatment, numbness or tingling sensation in or around the tooth is more than It continues for several hours or a day and does not resolve naturally.

This situation is a sign that the nerves or tissues around the tooth are damaged or inflamed and need medical follow-up.

Why does tooth numbness not disappear?

In the following, we point out the most important reasons for tooth numbness to prolong and not disappear.

1. Nerve damage

One of the most common reasons for remaining numb after dental treatments is the damage to the nerves around the treatment area.

The jaw nerves, especially the inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve, are very sensitive and if during wisdom tooth extraction, surgery Jaw, implant surgery or even nerve removal, put a lot of pressure on them or directly damage them, their normal function may be disturbed.

In this situation, the person may experience tooth numbness, tingling or numbness for several days to even several weeks.

Sometimes this damage is temporary and with the passage of time and the natural restoration of the body, the feeling of the area returns. But in rare cases, the damage can be permanent and require more specialized treatments.

2. Type and dose of anesthetic

Anesthetics are not the same. Some of them, such as bupivacaine or articaine, have a longer effect and are used for complex and time-consuming surgeries.

Sometimes the dentist has to use a higher dose of anesthetic to ensure that the treatment is completely painless, and this can cause the effect of the drug to remain longer than usual and the patient may experience dental numbness for several hours. break down the drug and the numbness lasts longer.

3. Inflammation and infection

If the treated area is inflamed or infected, the process of blood supply and tissue repair may be disturbed. As a result, the nerves that were involved in the treatment need more time to return to normal.

For example, severe tooth decay, infections around the root of the tooth or dental abscess can cause pressure on the surrounding nerves and prolong numbness.

In this Conditions, treatment of infection with antibiotics or other methods, helps to improve the sensation and normal function of the tissues.

4. Underlying medical conditions

Some underlying diseases can negatively affect the nervous system and slow down the process of restoration and return of sensation.

For example, diabetes is one of the diseases that over time causes damage to the nerves (diabetic neuropathy). People with neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders may also experience normal sensation in the numbed area later than healthy people.

For this reason, it is very important that the patient discuss his medical history with his dentist before performing dental treatments.

5. Error in anesthesia injection

If the anesthetic is not injected correctly and in the right area, the possibility of damage to the main nerves or sensitive tissues increases. Sometimes the tip of the needle is placed near an important nerve or the drug is injected directly around the nerve, which can cause inflammation, pressure or even minor damage to the nerve.

This is usually rare and occurs mostly when the injection is done in deep areas or close to the jaw nerve. Although in most cases these injuries are temporary, they can take several weeks to completely resolve.

What is the normal duration of tooth numbness?

Usually, tooth numbness wears off between 1 and 4 hours after the anesthetic is injected. If this duration reaches more than 24 hours, you should see a dentist.

Table comparing the duration of anesthesia according to the type of anesthetic drug

Type of anesthetic drug Duration of effect (hours) Description Lidocaine (Lidocaine) 1.5 to 2.5 The most widely used and safest drug Articaine (Articaine) 1 to 3 Better penetration into hard tissues Bupivacaine (Bupivacaine) 4 to 8 effects Long, for long surgeries Mepivacaine 1.5 to 3 Fast acting but shorter

Warning signs of prolonged tooth numbness

Long tooth numbness or tingling for more than 24 hours after treatment
Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles
Severe pain in other areas with numbness of the treated area
Persistent burning or tingling sensation

Dr. Bonyanian's recommendations about tooth numbness

Prolonged tooth numbness after dental treatments is usually not a concern. But if it continues for more than a day, you must see a doctor. In many cases, numbness is caused by temporary nerve damage that will heal with proper care and time. Of course, in rare cases, more specialized treatments may be needed.

Methods to remove tooth numbness

Although tooth numbness is temporary, in cases where this condition lasts longer than expected, it is necessary to help speed up the healing process with appropriate treatment methods. Methods like:

1. Patience and rest

In most cases, tooth numbness is caused by the natural effect of the anesthetic drug and it disappears completely after a few hours or at most a few days.

The body needs time to break down and eliminate the injected drug and also the nerves that are inflamed or pressured return to normal. So, during this period, the most important thing the patient can do is to rest enough, avoid irritating the affected area and follow the dentist's care instructions.

Avoid chewing with the treated side, adequate sleep and stress management can also help speed up this process.

2. Anti-inflammatory drugs

If the numbness is caused by tissue or nerve inflammation, taking toothache pills and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce swelling and pressure on the nerves.

These drugs, in addition to reducing pain, improve blood circulation in the treatment area. They are combined and help to restore the function of the nerve. Of course, the use of these drugs should be done according to the doctor's or dentist's prescription. Especially in those who have a history of gastrointestinal or kidney diseases.

3. Physiotherapy and massage

If the cause is numbness, pressure or slight damage to the nerves, oral, jaw and facial physiotherapy can be very useful for the person. We mean performing simple exercises such as opening and closing the jaw, gentle movements of the tongue or gentle massage around the numb area. The same things that help to improve blood circulation and stimulate nerve regeneration.

In situations where numbness lasts for a very, very long time (more than a month!), you should go to specialized physiotherapists who can speed up your recovery process by using devices such as electrical stimulation (TENS) or ultrasound.

4. Use of supplements

Nerves need special nutrients for repair and regeneration. One of the most important vitamin groups in this field are group B vitamins. Especially B1 (thiamine), B6 and B12 (cobalamin), which play a key role in the health of the nervous system.

Vitamin B12 is particularly effective in the regeneration of myelin (the covering around nerves) and is often prescribed in the form of tablets, ampoules or sublingual drops.

5. See a neurologist

The last thing you can do to get rid of the numbness in your teeth is to see a neurologist. Of course, in a situation where numbness lasts for several weeks and extends to other areas such as facial muscles, jaw and neck.

In this situation, it is necessary to see a neurologist. A neurologist can check if there is serious nerve damage by conducting specialized tests such as neuromuscular (EMG) or brain imaging (MRI). But in most cases, these mild solutions are effective and remove the numbness of your tooth. Here is a list of useful home methods to reduce tooth numbness and help heal faster:

✅ Home remedies to remove tooth numbness:

Rest and avoid pressure on the numb area of the tooth
Using a warm compress (not hot)
Gently massage the numb area with circular movements
Drinking water and warm liquids (not hot) such as chamomile tea or Ginger
Making gentle movements of the jaw and face such as slowly opening and closing the jaw and moving the lips and tongue
Adhering to a healthy diet rich in vitamin B such as eggs, meat, lentils, brains and dairy products
Using vitamin B12 supplements (with the doctor's advice)
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Deep breathing and stress reduction

Important tips to prevent long-term tooth numbness

Choosing a specialist and experienced dentist
Completely informing the doctor about diseases and medications Usage
Avoid excessive pressure in the treatment area
Observation of oral and dental hygiene to prevent infection

Summary of tooth numbness

Tooth numbness after dental treatments is a natural phenomenon that generally resolves within a few hours. But if the numbness lasts longer than usual, it can have various reasons, including nerve damage, inflammation, or infection.

The fact that with dental advances and the emergence of new technologies, dental anesthesia treatments have become safer day by day; But it is still very important to pay attention to the details of the treatment and aftercare.

However, if this happens, the patient should be patient, follow the care tips and see a specialist if needed.

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Frequently asked questions about why tooth numbness does not go away?

Is dental anesthesia dangerous?

No, anesthesia is safe and temporarily cuts off sensation in the area in question. Only in rare cases can prolonged numbness be a sign of nerve damage.

When should I see a dentist?

If the numbness lasts more than 24 hours or is accompanied by pain and weakness, it is better to see a dentist.

Does prolonged tooth numbness cause facial paralysis?

Usually no. Except in very rare and severe cases where nerve damage can cause muscle weakness.

Can prolonged tooth numbness become permanent?

In very, very rare cases, tooth numbness may become permanent. This happens when the jaw nerves have suffered direct damage or severe pressure during the treatment. However, most cases of mild or moderate nerve damage are temporary and heal within a few weeks to months.