SAN DIEGO -- It's a problem many people have faced with a trip to the dental office, but to avoid the pain of the drill, the dentist has to numb your mouth.

Many can't go back to work right away because of the inability to talk. For kids, the numbing could be so strong they damage tissue in their mouth because they can't feel when they bite down on their tongue or cheeks.

Dr. Eckard Weber decided to do something about this problem.

"It took about seven or eight years of hard work to develop the product and get it approved FDA (Food and Drug Administration)," said Weber.

Weber came up with OraVerse, which reverses the effects of numbness.

Weber partnered with San Diego biotech company Novalar, and the product was launched in February.

"I think last year we were the only product to get FDA approval. So it's showing that the investment in the biotech industry in San Diego is proving to have results," said Weber.

What's good for Novalar is good for San Diego in this down economy, as it is not easy for companies to get FDA approval.

When a drug takes off, so does the company, and Novalar is growing -- and hiring -- because of OraVerse.

"Well, I was actually surprised," said Dr. Lawrence Addleson of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Addleson said he was skeptical of OraVerse until he used the drug on one of his patients.

"I literally timed it. Thirty-two minutes later and the numbing was gone," said Addleson.

No more missing half a day of work, school or important appointments waiting for the anesthesia to wear off.

"So it's exciting when you care about your patients and you can tell them you have something that will make you more comfortable or will allow you to get back to your lives earlier," said Addleson.

OraVerse is now available all over the nation.

Novalar plans to expand the product into Europe, Canada and eventually Asia.