<s>[INST] I had some dental work done yesterday and they had to numb my mouth to prepare for some bridgework. Shortly after arriving home, I began to lose my voice...and today it is pretty raspy. Could this be from the novacaine? My throat is not really closed, just feels a little narrower than usuall. Should I contact the dentist? [/INST] Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor forum Dove1,according to the dental history provided by you, it seems that you had undergone tooth preparation prior to cementation of a bridge.I would like to inform you that local anesthesia(Novocaine) cannot change the tone or even affect your vocal cords in any way. I understand that your voice has become raspy following the dental work, for this clinical check up is required, in order to confirm the cause. Therefore, I would advise you to visit your dentist soon.I assume that you do not suffer from any respiratory infection. On the whole, Novocaine cannot affect your voice, i hope I answered your query, I wish you good health. </s>