5 Ways to Get Rid of Numbness After Dental Work

Did you just have a dental procedure and are now experiencing lingering numbness from anesthesia? While this is completely normal, there are a few simple, effective ways to help the sensation wear off faster.

Here are five tips to help speed up the process and get you back to feeling normal sooner.

1. Be Patient & Wait It Out

Numbness after dental work can take up to four hours to fully fade. The best thing you can do? Give it time and let the anesthesia wear off naturally.

✔ Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages to prevent accidentally biting your tongue or burning your mouth.
✔ Use this time to relax—catch up on a book, listen to music, or watch your favorite show.

💡 Patience is key—rushing the process can lead to accidental injury!

2. Gently Wiggle Your Jaw

Moving your jaw stimulates circulation and helps your body process the anesthesia faster.

✔ Try slow, circular movements with your jaw.
✔ Carefully shift your jaw side to side without straining.

💡 Increasing blood flow can speed up the return of normal sensation.

3. Massage Your Lips & Cheeks

Massaging the area around the numbness can boost circulation and help the anesthesia fade faster.

✔ Use light, circular motions with your fingers.
✔ A warm, soft cloth can also encourage blood flow.
✔ Avoid massaging directly over the injection site to prevent irritation.

💡 A gentle massage can help wake up the nerves and restore feeling sooner.

4. Move Your Tongue from Side to Side

Your tongue and facial nerves play a big role in regaining sensation. Simple movements can help “wake up” the nerves in your mouth.

✔ Move your tongue side to side for a few minutes.
✔ Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and then relax it.

💡 This easy exercise can be done anytime, anywhere!

5. Stay Busy & Distract Yourself

Sometimes, the best way to deal with numbness is to keep your mind occupied.

✔ Read a book, watch a movie, or solve a puzzle to pass the time.
✔ Get moving—a short walk can boost circulation and help your body process the anesthesia faster.

💡 Before you know it, the numbness will be gone!

Numbness is Temporary—But Know When to Call Your Dentist

Post-procedure numbness is a normal side effect of dental anesthesia and typically fades within a few hours. However, contact your dentist immediately if you experience:

🚨 Prolonged numbness lasting beyond 6–8 hours.
🚨 Pain, swelling, or discomfort that worsens over time.
🚨 Difficulty swallowing or unusual sensations in your face or jaw.

Your Comfort is Our Priority

At Marx Family Dental, we are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety before, during, and after your dental procedure.

📞 If you have any concerns or need to schedule a follow-up, call us at (816) 452-2000. We’re here to help!