Leaving the dentist with a “frozen” face is a standard part of getting a filling. Local anesthesia (like Lidocaine) is a miracle for pain-free dentistry, but its lingering effects can be annoying and, in some cases, risky.
If you’re wondering when you’ll feel your face again, here is everything you need to know about post-filling numbness.
The Average Recovery Timeline
For most people, dental numbness lasts between 2 to 5 hours. However, the exact time depends on where the work was done:
| Location of Filling | Typical Numbness Duration |
| Upper Teeth | 1–2 Hours (Thinner bone, faster absorption) |
| Lower Teeth | 3–5 Hours (Thicker nerves, deeper block) |
| Extensive/Multiple Fillings | Up to 6 Hours |
3 Factors That Influence Your Recovery
- The “Epinephrine” Factor: Most anesthetics contain epinephrine to constrict blood vessels and make the numbing last longer. If your dentist used a higher dose, expect a longer wait.
- Metabolism & Activity: Your body processes anesthesia through blood flow. If you have a fast metabolism or take a light walk after your appointment, the numbness may fade faster.
- Soft Tissue vs. Tooth: Your tooth will stop being numb much faster than your lips, tongue, or cheek.
Safety First: How to Avoid “The Numbness Trap”
While you’re waiting for the feeling to return, you are at risk of accidental self-injury.
- The “No-Chew” Rule: Avoid eating until the numbness is 100% gone. According to Pediatric Dentistry research, over 60% of soft tissue injuries (bitten tongues/cheeks) happen during this period.
- Temperature Blindness: Do not drink hot coffee or tea. Since you can’t feel heat, you can suffer severe oral burns without realizing it.
- Child Supervision: Children often bite their “asleep” lip out of curiosity. Watch them closely and use the phrase: “Your lip is sleeping, let’s not wake it up with a bite!”
How to Make Numbness Wear Off Faster
- Gentle Movement: Talk slowly or move your jaw to stimulate blood circulation.
- Warm Compress: Apply a warm (not hot) cloth to the outside of your cheek for 5-10 minutes.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your system flush out the anesthetic.
Protecting Your Smile Long-Term
Fillings are a sign that harmful bacteria are winning the battle in your mouth.
Expert Insight: To reduce the need for future fillings and painful numbing injections, focus on your oral microbiome. Many dental patients use ProvaDent to repopulate their mouths with beneficial bacteria. This balances pH levels and starves the cavity-causing bacteria, keeping your natural teeth strong and filling-free.
When to Call the Dentist
While rare, complications can occur. Contact your clinic if:
- Numbness lasts longer than 7 hours.
- You experience extreme swelling or an allergic reaction (hives/itching).
- You feel a “pins and needles” sensation that doesn’t go away after 24 hours.