How long does the effect of local anesthesia last?
July 25, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Felix Herrmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Gerda Koch and I have a question regarding local anesthesia. I recently had a dental treatment where I was administered local anesthesia. Now I am wondering how long the effects of this local anesthesia will last and if there could potentially be complications when the effects wear off.
As background information: I do not have much experience with local anesthesia and I am therefore somewhat concerned about the duration of its effects. After the dental treatment, I already felt that the numbness was slowly wearing off and I am wondering if I should be worried when the effects have completely disappeared.
My concern is that the pain could return before the treatment is completed, or that I could feel pain during the treatment if the local anesthesia is no longer effective. Therefore, I would like to know how long the effects of local anesthesia typically last and if there are any measures to prolong or enhance its effects.
Can you please explain to me how long the effects of local anesthesia typically last and if there are ways to extend this duration? Are there specific risks or complications that could occur when the effects wear off? I would greatly appreciate your assessment and any possible solutions.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Gerda Koch
Dear Mrs. Koch,
Thank you for your question about local anesthesia. I understand your concerns and will try to answer them to the best of my ability.
The duration of action of a local anesthesia can vary depending on the type of local anesthetic used, the quantity, the injection technique, and the site of application. Typically, the effect of local anesthesia during dental procedures lasts between 1-4 hours. However, it may also happen that the effect lasts longer or shorter, depending on individual factors such as metabolic rate, blood flow, and tissue pH.
If you feel that the numbness is slowly wearing off, it is normal and does not necessarily mean that the local anesthesia has completely disappeared. You may still feel some numbness even though the effect has diminished.
It is important to know that the effect of a local anesthesia is usually sufficient to block painful stimuli during a dental treatment. However, if the anesthesia wears off before the treatment is completed, it is important to inform your dentist so that he can re-anesthetize if necessary.
There are various ways to prolong the duration of a local anesthesia. Sometimes, the addition of adrenaline as a vasoconstrictor can extend the duration of action by reducing tissue blood flow. The choice of the appropriate local anesthetic and injection technique can also influence the duration of action.
Regarding risks and complications of diminishing effects of a local anesthesia, it is important to pay attention to possible pain during the treatment. If the anesthesia wears off, you may experience pain that can usually be controlled by the dentist. In rare cases, there may be an overdose of the local anesthetic, leading to complications such as heart rhythm disturbances or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important for the dentist to carefully dose and monitor the local anesthesia.
I hope this information has been helpful and has alleviated your concerns regarding local anesthesia. If you have any further questions or feel unsure, do not hesitate to contact your dentist.
Sincerely,
Felix Herrmann
