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Can I drive myself home after getting a silver dental filling?

RealAge
RealAge
answer
Most people can drive themselves home after getting a silver dental filling because most silver dental fillings are applied after patients have been given only local anesthesia. Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic used in dentists' offices. Its effects are usually limited to the mouth area and they wear off within a couple of hours. In rare cases, numbness may occur outside of the mouth, including the eye area. If the numbness causes impaired vision, you might have to wait until the anesthesia wears off completely before driving home. If your doctor recommends a more general anesthetic or other medication for your procedure, you will likely need to arrange for other transportation home. Your dentist will let you know what type of anesthesia will be used for your procedure.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.