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happy711 · Dec 25, 2007, 10:05 PM

I have my first cavity and I have to get it filled in a couple of days. The problem is that I am scared to death of needles and they have to give me one that numbs my mouth. I'm serious when I said scared; I would fight the dentist or do anything to get that needle away from me. To take shots at the doctor takes about 3 hours or more... anyway, I wanted to know if I could just not get the shot and still get it filled or would it be worth it in the end to get it?

N0help4u · Dec 25, 2007, 10:08 PM

Most dentists will numb the gum first so you don't feel the shot as bad. Close your eyes and relax and imagine you are laying on the beach.

Wondergirl · Dec 25, 2007, 10:22 PM

If he numbs the gum first and uses a very sharp needle and you close your eyes, it will be over before you know it. Dentistry is extremely painless now.

flossie · Dec 27, 2007, 11:13 AM

You could try the filling without freezing if the cavity isn't very deep. A few people have high pain thresholds and can handle the procedure without freezing. I guess it depends on which is worse for you.
The other two are right, the dentist should put topical (numbing gel or spray) on the gum before he injects the local (freezing). Close your eyes and take some deep breaths through your nose and you'll be fine.

ISneezeFunny · Dec 27, 2007, 11:18 AM

Sadly... my father's a dentist. I know kids (and adults) that come in, and they actually have a phobia of needles + drills. I work there sometimes, and I literally had to climb on top of a 37 year old woman, hold her arms down, restrain her... JUST to get her tooth numb. Seriously.

Close your eyes. Don't open it. DON'T open your eyes. You'll be fine.

happy711 · Dec 28, 2007, 11:42 AM

Thanks for the help. If you were wondering I went and I wouldn't let the dentist numb my tooth after about an hour. Since I went without it, I felt a little pain but not as much if I had to get the needle.

ISneezeFunny · Dec 28, 2007, 11:44 AM

You're kidding? You... got drilled WITHOUT anesthetics... and it hurt less than the needle would? Well... good for you? Perhaps next time, choose NO2

happy711 · Dec 29, 2007, 08:33 PM

No, I'm not kidding but I will make sure I will never get a cavity again!

Fr_Chuck · Dec 29, 2007, 08:56 PM

I was in a 3rd world country and had some dental work done, believe me, you want the shot. They numb the area first, and even have gas available for hard cases. Also there is a "relaxation" where you are basically asleep while it is done.