A local anaesthetic at the dentist lasts about an hour in the tooth itself, and usually three to four hours in the lip, cheek and tongue. In the lower jaw, the numb feeling usually lasts longer than in the upper jaw. Until the feeling returns, wait before eating or having hot drinks, so that you do not bite or burn yourself. A tingling as it wears off is normal.
Updated: 14 November 2026
- About an hour in the tooth, three to four hours in the lip and cheek.
- It lasts longer in the lower jaw than in the upper.
- Eat and drink hot drinks only once the feeling is back.
How long does which anaesthetic last?
| Where | What goes numb | Roughly how long |
|---|---|---|
| Upper jaw, next to the tooth | tooth, lip and cheek at that spot | about three hours |
| Lower jaw, at the nerve further back | one half of the lower lip and tongue | just under four hours |
| Directly at a single tooth | only the tooth | under 30 minutes, hardly any numbness afterwards |
These figures come from a comparative study and are averages. How long it lasts for you depends on the agent, the amount and on you.
That is how long the lip and cheek usually stay numb after an anaesthetic.
zm, issue 23, 2003What to keep in mind afterwards
- Eating: only once the feeling is back. That way you will not bite your lip, cheek or tongue.
- Hot drinks: wait as well. You cannot feel the temperature.
- Children: they like to chew on the numb lip. It is worth keeping an eye on them.
- The injection site: can be a little tender for a day or two.
- After a long appointment: many people feel a little limited for a few hours. Plan some rest afterwards.
“Just the thought of the injection makes me nervous.”
We hear that often, and it can be changed. Before the injection, we numb the spot with a gel on the surface. We go more slowly if you need it, and we only start once the anaesthetic is fully working. You feel touch, but no pain. Raise your hand, and we stop immediately. Read more in “Fear of the dentist: what helps?”.
Tell us when you book that the injection worries you. Then we plan more time.
Book a consultation onlineWhy does the anaesthetic sometimes work more slowly?
If a tooth is badly inflamed, the anaesthetic sometimes works more slowly. Then we add more until you feel nothing. Just say so, a hand signal is enough.
If the numbness lasts longer
Into the evening is normal, especially after an appointment in the lower jaw. If a spot is still numb the next day, contact us.
What we like to know beforehand
Pregnancy, heart conditions, medication and allergies influence which agent suits you. Tell us before your appointment, and we will choose accordingly.
