The sensation of oral numbness, often following dental procedures involving local anesthetics, is a temporary loss of feeling in the mouth, lips, and surrounding tissues. For example, an individual might experience this diminished sensation after a cavity filling, making it difficult to speak or eat normally.
Restoring normal sensation is important for several reasons. It allows for proper speech articulation and prevents unintentional self-injury, such as biting the cheek or tongue. Historically, patients simply waited for the anesthetic to wear off naturally; however, individuals now seek ways to accelerate the recovery of feeling.