Local anesthesia
local anesthetic · numbing shot · numbing injection
A shot or cream that numbs a small part of your body. You stay awake, but you feel no pain in that spot.
For small operations and procedures: dental fillings and extractions, mole removal, stitches.
⏱ Duration: usually lasts from 1 to a few hours
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. You can usually eat a light meal beforehand. Check with your clinic.
- Medicines. Take your regular medicines as usual, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- How you feel. Come well rested. If you feel very nervous, tell the doctor.
What to bring
- Your referral
- A list of your medicines
- Your ID
How it goes
- The doctor cleans the skin or the inside of your mouth
- Sometimes a numbing gel or spray goes on first
- The doctor gives a shot with a thin needle
- You wait a few minutes until the spot goes numb
- The doctor checks that you feel no pain, then starts
What you'll feel
- A quick prick and a few seconds of stinging
- Then numbness. The spot may feel strange or swollen
- You feel touch and pressure, but not pain
- If it starts to hurt, say so. The doctor will give more numbing medicine
Afterwards
- Numbness usually wears off in 1 to 3 hours
- Until then, protect the spot. Do not bite your cheek or lip
- Do not eat hot food while your mouth is numb
- If numbness lasts more than a day, tell your doctor
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing, a swollen face, or a rash all over: call emergency services
- Severe dizziness, a pounding heart, or seizures: call emergency services
Common questions
Do you feel anything with local anesthesia?
Yes, pressure and touch. There should be no pain. If it hurts, tell the doctor.
How long until the numbness wears off?
Usually 1 to 3 hours. It depends on the medicine and where the shot was given.