How long does wisdom tooth numbness last?
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures that is performed when a wisdom tooth comes out or causes problems. Growing wisdom teeth may push other teeth or they may erupt only to the extent that poses a risk of infection. It is common to pull wisdom teeth and use anesthesia as part of the wisdom tooth removal procedure. Information about the effects of anesthesia and the recovery period is important. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist in Canada.
When does wisdom tooth numbness go away?
How long does anesthesia last after wisdom tooth extraction? The short answer is a few hours. However, the exact duration depends on several factors.
What type of anesthesia was used? Local anesthesia, which involves numbing a specific part of the mouth, wears off relatively quickly, in some cases within 30 minutes. The general anesthesia used for wisdom tooth extraction, where the patient is put to sleep during the procedure, takes about 45 minutes to an hour to wear off. During this time, you may feel sleepy or confused, that’s why gum surgery dentists strongly suggest patients to go home with a companion.
How long it takes for you to feel normal again after anesthesia depends on the medications you take after your wisdom teeth are removed. For example, strong pain relievers can cause a person to feel dizzy when taking pain medication. They may also have sleep disorders after anesthesia.
Conditions that arise after the removal of wisdom teeth
After the procedure, some bleeding and swelling are normal. Your dentist may send you home with gauze to place over the extraction site to promote blood clotting. For swelling, an ice pack can provide some relief.
Other things you can expect after wisdom tooth surgery include:
- Confusion: Ask someone to drive you home and watch you for the first few hours after surgery.
- Difficulty eating and drinking: At first, use soft foods such as applesauce, pudding, and pureed soups, and avoid carbonated drinks or drinking through a straw.
- Pain: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help reduce pain from the procedure.
You should avoid brushing your teeth for at least 24 hours after the procedure and also pay close attention to the extraction sites during recovery. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can keep the sores clean and promote healing.
If you have some symptoms, it is better to contact your surgeon. For example, if you have a fever, this could be a sign of an infection. Difficulty swallowing, excessive pain, and a persistent bad taste in the mouth can also be signs of a need to visit the dentist. Otherwise, you will likely return to the office for a check-up one to two weeks after surgery.
