“Returning back to work?”
I work as a telemarketer where I talk on the phone all day. I am getting my cavity filled but I know I will still be numb after. Is it a good idea to go back to work?
Female | 42 years old
5 Answers
DentistDentist
You can definitely return to work, but if you want the numbness to go away highly recommended to drink water to wash out the numbing agent.
Yes, you should be able to talk and function normally after a routine filling. Numbness should only last a few hours.
If you do not have anesthesia or numbing for the restoration (filling), it will not be an issue. If it is on an upper arch (jaw) back tooth, it should not be an issue even with anesthesia. If it is on an upper arch front tooth or a lower arch tooth with anesthesia, it may be an issue as far as speech ability for about 3 hours, depending patient ability to speak clearly with a numb tongue and lower lip.
Your lower lip will be numb if it is a lower tooth, but should only be numb for a couple of hours. An upper front tooth will have your upper lip numb, but that usually doesn't affect speech much. An upper back tooth won't have any lip numbness.
Typically the anesthetic lasts about 2 hours (depending on metabolism). If it is a tooth on the lower arch, anesthetic can sometimes numb the tongue along with the lip and cheek. Talking is possible, but has a strange sensation. If it is an upper tooth, the anesthetic is more localized to the area of work and isn’t as awkward. It is a personal preference if you go back to work, but you should be able to work.
Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS
Hope this helps,
Jossi Stokes, DDS
