03/10/2026
How Long Does Local Anesthetic Last? 🦷
One of the most common questions we hear after oral surgery is, “How long will I stay numb?”
The answer depends, because every patient is different.
In our office, we commonly use lidocaine and marcaine, two local anesthetics that work a little differently:
• Lidocaine typically lasts 1–3 hours and is often used to get you comfortably numb quickly.
• Marcaine lasts longer- usually 4–8 hours, sometimes more- and helps keep you comfortable longer after your procedure.
How long numbness lasts can vary based on:
• The type and amount of anesthetic used
• The area being treated
• Your individual metabolism
• Blood flow and tissue type
• Whether multiple areas were numbed
Some patients regain sensation sooner, while others stay numb longer than expected; Both are completely normal!
We’ll always review what to expect after your procedure and give you guidance on protecting your lips, cheeks, and tongue while numbness wears off.
If you ever have concerns about numbness or sensation after surgery, don’t hesitate to call-
we’re here to help.
📞402-317-5657
