TAMARAC, Fla. -- If you've ever been anesthetized for a dental treatment you know how awkward it can be until the numbing agent wears off.

"I dread going to the dentist for that reason," said Tony Centore.

Centore, a working actor, said he's got to be ready for casting calls at a moments notice.

"I'm out there to say my lines and I can't do it when I'm 'blub, blub, blub, blub, blub, it doesn't work," he said.

Fortunately, Centore's dentist is now working with a newly approved drug called Oraverse that can quickly reverse the affects of anesthesia.

"The drug is given as an injection but of course the patient doesn't feel it because they're already numb," said Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro.

Patients are given Oraverse as soon as the painful part of their dental procedure is complete.

Vilk-Shapiro says studies have shown it can cut in half the time it typically takes for anesthesia to wear off.

"Some patients even report that as soon as I give the reversal agent their mouth is waking up right away and they really like that," Vilk-Shapiro said.

Vilk-Shapiro says the drug allows people to get back to their normal lives more quickly. "They're able to eat, drink, talk, and there's a reduced risk of biting the inside of their mouth or tongue," she added.

Oraverse is not intended for children under the age of 6 years.

The drug adds approximately $20-$30 to the cost of a dental visit and is typically not covered by insurance.

To reach Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro call: 954-721-2330