How long does novocaine last?

Novocaine is one of the injectable local anesthetic. Its numbing sensation lasts typically for 30 to 60 minutes. It can pair with Epinephrine to last longer, about 90 minutes. However, the exact time for how long Novocaine varies from the dose your dentist gives to the type of treatment you are under.

What is novocaine?

Novocaine is a local anesthetic drug and a brand of procaine. The procedure that needs Novocaine includes, simple dental care, small surgery, treating a cavity, wisdom tooth removal, etc.

How does novocaine works?

A practitioner would inject it into the part of the body he is treating to numb the area, so you don’t feel anything during the procedure. Novocaine’s functions block the nerves in your body from sending pain signals to the brain.

Uses of novocaine

Dentists or Doctors use this dental anesthesia, novocaine, during any dental procedure like filling a cavity, or tooth removal, or any other treatment that requires dental numbing. Other minor procedures include mole or wart removal, cataract removal, a biopsy, pacemaker insertion etc.

Effects of novocaine

Novocaine acts quickly; the numbness starts within just 5-10 minutes of injection. After this, people will no longer feel any pain except for some movement made around the area.

This dental numbing shot is safe but comes with mild side effects. Like minor pain or tingling at the injected area, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, or muscles twitching.

Factors on how long novacaine lasts

For the question, how long does Novocaine last: several factors come into play that determines the length of Novocaine’s effectiveness. Namely:

• Dose – Depending on the procedure, they give the right amount of Novocaine. The higher the dosage, the longer it will last.
• The individual – The numbness effects may vary from person to person. As some medical condition may cause some people to be less sensitive to this anesthesia.
• Infection – Novocaine gets less effective in the case of tooth infection because of the acidic tissue or inflammation.
• Use of Epinephrine – Epinephrine leads to smaller blood vessels, reducing blood flow, thus keeping the anesthesia in the injected area for longer.

How to make novocaine wear off faster

After a filling or any dental procedure, you’ll experience the numbness lingering for some time, even for hours. And if you find this annoying, you can try some tips to make Novocaine wear off faster.

• Get moving – To burn off the numbness, an increase in blood flow is necessary. You can do this by moving around, walking, jogging, etc.
• Apply heat – Another way is to give a moist, warm press to the affected area.
• Massage – If there is no pain and swelling, then gently massage around the numb area.

Conclusion

Novocaine is a valid local drug that is safe to use for any dental procedure. While the amount of dose is one way to determine how long Novocaine can last. It can also last longer, depending on Epinephrine’s use, an individual’s medical condition, and so on.

I hope you find this article helpful.

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-novocaine-last
2. https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/how-long-will-the-effects-of-novocaine-last.html
3. https://www.drmajka.com/oral-health/how-long-does-novocaine-last/
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321880