Dental anesthesia, commonly referred to as "numbing," is a medication administered by dentists to alleviate pain during dental procedures. It temporarily blocks nerve signals in the treated area, rendering it insensitive to pain. The duration of its effect varies depending on the type of anesthetic used and the individual's metabolism.
The most commonly used dental anesthetic is lidocaine, which typically takes effect within 2-5 minutes and lasts for approximately 2 hours. However, the effects can vary significantly from person to person, with some experiencing shorter or longer durations of numbness. Factors such as the location of the injection, the patient's age, and their overall health can influence the duration.