Dentist advice

[TigerBoy]

Ok so I had a check up this morning and everything is fine except the dentist says I have a tiny spot she'd like to do a small filling in. I have big natural fissures (crinkly teeth) and she said with my type of teeth its a good idea to do a small filling now rather than risk it.

Ok so she then said "is it ok if we don't give you an injection?" and I'm just a bit confused because I never had a filling so I just said "... ok????" :eek: But now I'm wondering if I should or not. I've never had a filling but is there a type where it doesn't hurt? Is an injection nasty, so if what she's going to do is minor its like an injection is going to be worse than just putting up with it?

I've got until 11th December to change my mind I guess....

[Apollo.]

I'd say you went the right way doing it without the injection. A filling isn't really painful just slightly uncomfortable. An injection stops 5 minutes of slight discomfort but then you have to put up with not being able to feel or move your mouth properly for a good few hours. Also if your anything like me the thought of someone putting a needle into your mouth isn't the nicest thing to think about.

[Sonic Boom]

If your filling is small like you have said (not sure how small yours is), a local anesthetic might not be necessary. It also depends on where the little cavity is. Maybe ask for a topical anesthetic?

[TigerBoy]

Thanks guys. So it sounds like she's not being dodgy, its normal to skip the anaesthetic for small jobs.

If your filling is small like you have said (not sure how small yours is), a local anesthetic might not be necessary. It also depends on where the little cavity is. Maybe ask for a topical anesthetic?

Its really small, on the lower front right molar, looks just like I got a sesame seed stuck in the cracks.

[MartyG]

The fact that she's giving you a choice probably indicates that she doesn't really think you will need anesthetic. Everyone sensitivity to pain is different. I would for-go the injection this time and see how it goes. Only then will you know how much of an issue it is for you.

When I was very young, the dentist my mom took me to was dead-set against pain-killers; for what-ever reason. So; I never got any. Now; my current dentist says that he hardly knows anyone who doesn't want to be deadened. But that was for a root canal procedure; typically very uncomfortable.

Anyway...for my opinion...see my first paragraph...

Good luck; doesn't sound like it's much of a procedure.

[Desuetude]

Injections aren't all that bad, they hurt a little and make your mouth stiff but other than that it's not intense pain. If it's just small and in the front of your mouth I wouldn't bother with one also it's better to get it done now rather than let it be at risk of getting worse. Also the injection shit tastes disgusting, it's worse than the 'bubblegum' flavoured crap they put on your gum to numb it before the injection. That would put me off straight away lol.

[Silicate Wielder]

I'd say you went the right way doing it without the injection. A filling isn't really painful just slightly uncomfortable. An injection stops 5 minutes of slight discomfort but then you have to put up with not being able to feel or move your mouth properly for a good few hours. Also if your anything like me the thought of someone putting a needle into your mouth isn't the nicest thing to think about.

oh god My mouth is as sensitive as heck I don't think I would go with the injection. ironically I had a dentists apointment today and I have no cavities, luckily. I would just deal with the
discomfort.

the reason i say its as sensitive as heck is because one time they used that hook thing to get the plaque out from around my gums it felt as if they were just shredding my mouth. the doctor says I have too high anxiety for that. T_T I was really agitated the rest of the day because my mouth hurt.

[TigerBoy]

Thanks for all your comments. I feel considerably less stressed now :P

[thesurferdude]

I've had the same situation more than once. And ive made both decisions. Honestly whatever you decide its not going to be that big of a deal. So heres the rundown. If you get a shot its a bit scarry while they give you the shot but there is no pain durring the filling. After your face will be numb and you wont be able to talk normal for like 1hr so have time to relax. Local anestetic will take the edge off it will be uncomfortable. but the fact that your dentist gave you the option means that she is confident you can handle it. You might consider that if you try it without a shot you can always stop and ask for one (i think).
Think about what you want and know its okay.

[DerBear]

If she is giving you a choice then it sounds like she is basically saying "It won't really hurt. Its more uncomfortable". However some people like the injection if they don't like the dentist because they feel the injection numbs everything so they barely feel anything. However I think you'll be fine and there is nothing to worry about. You can always phone up or go to the clinic and ask for some professional advice. However if what you have described is really that small. You really don't have anything to worry about. On the other hand though, if to does ease your mind phoning up or visiting the clinic and asking the question wouldn't be a bad option either.

[TigerBoy]

Thanks Derri. Yeah I'll skip the injection this time it sounds like that's not so nice and only worth it if you are going to have a lot of stuff done.

[Steve Jobs]

I had a filling done very recently for almost the same reason as you did! At first, the nurse put on a numbing gel. It has a lot less effect and only lasts a few minutes, but was more than enough to take all the pain out of the injection. I literally felt nothing and I absolutely freak out at needles especially when they're so close to my face!
Once that was done, it kind of relaxed me and I just sat there. Your dentist will probably use a drill-like tool to take any cavities and stuff out of your tooth, then fill your tooth with a resin-like material and use a blue light to activate/mould it.

I'd say the worst part was going out and having a numb lip for the next two hours after that because I didn't even know when I was sitting in class and drooling out of my mouth. It didnt hurt one bit and there's absolutely nothing to worry about! :)

[Infidelitas]

When I had my filling done, they didn't even give me a choice. He just gave me an injection and did the filling.
But the injection make both of my lips numb for about 6 hours. I would have rather not had it and had a little pan than have that. I think that you will be fine without the injection.

[Gymrat17]

I have no fillings but my family and friends who use our dentist do and they say that our dentist always gives an injection, I'd get one if I were you...