Engaging in activity, such as walking, makes Novocaine and other local dental anesthetics wear off more quickly, according to Jonathan G. Campbell, D.D.S., of Legacy Dental. The numbness these anesthetics cause dissipates as the blood carries the anesthetic away from the injection site for metabolization.
A dentist can make the effects of the local anesthetic dissipate more quickly by injecting Oraverse after the procedure, Campbell suggests. There is an additional cost involved that isn't normally covered by dental insurance.
Most dentists use lidocaine or articaine as a local anesthetic rather than Novocaine, Campbell explains. These anesthetics numb the tooth for one to two hours and the lips and tongue for three to five hours.
