Filling without injection?

SillyMangoX

Hi folks,

I haven't been to the dentist in a while and recon I may need a filling or two, or an old filling replaced as I get a toothache in one of my molars that has a filling anytime I eat something sweet.
Is it possible or even recommended to get fillings without the anaesthetic injection?
I don't have a fear of needles but I do suffer from quite bad panic attacks and one of my major triggers is feeling like I can't breathe or feeling anyway numb like there's something wrong. It'll be hard enough to cope with someone's hands in my mouth and try concentrate on my breathing let alone if my face is numb and it feels like I can't swallow properly etc.
Anyone have any advice on this?
Thanks

mckar

I don't know about that pain in your mouth is quite bad as you must know yourself. Could you mabe get relaxing meds of your doctor in advance. Just chill you out. I don't mind it myself but I totally understand as my partner isn't great at the dentist.

DublinDilbert

With a good dentist you won't even feel the needle, they will numb your gum with some gel first. Apparently some parts of Europe you have to ask for the anesthetic, they don't give it by default and charge extra for it. Money well spent in my opinion.

Most of us aren't too keen on needles, just explain that to the dentist, ly back and close your eyes. Most of the time I don't even feel the injection, but still i'd rather feel the injection for a split second than feel someone working on a tooth without one.

SillyMangoX

It's not the needle I'm afraid of, I'm quite good with needles, it's the actual feeling of being numb that freaks me out, feeling like I can't move my face or swallow properly!

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Op unfortunately any filling of any depth would cause you terrible and excruciating pain without anaesthetic. This is not pain that you could "tolerate" or put up with, with some effort it would be unbearable.

You might given your history look into seeing a dentist that can do your restorative work with some sedation (gas or IV) along with local anesthetic. The sedation will alleviate your panic and fears. The local will remove the pain.

I can recommend a few people by PM if you want.

Dianthus

SillyMangoX wrote: »

It's not the needle I'm afraid of, I'm quite good with needles, it's the actual feeling of being numb that freaks me out, feeling like I can't move my face or swallow properly!

It's a disconcerting feeling alright, but if children as young as 6 years of age can understand, communicate& adapt to numbness from local anaesthetic, you definitely can also.
It's possible to have fillings without being numb, but realistically beyond 2mm (the thickness of enamel), you're going to feel pain. That might be a sharp twinge that makes you wince, or a red-hot-poker sensation that makes you jump. Generally dentists feel more comfortable& relaxed knowing that the patient isn't going to jolt suddenly whilst they're drilling. Most dentists have quick enough reflexes to stop the drill immediately, but you do run the risk of a torn/lacerated cheek or tongue (->bloodbath, scarring, ect) if your move is faster than theirs!

Stheno

SillyMangoX wrote: »

It'll be hard enough to cope with someone's hands in my mouth and try concentrate on my breathing let alone if my face is numb and it feels like I can't swallow properly etc.
Anyone have any advice on this?
Thanks

I have this problem, I'm massively phobic about going to the dentist and even without anaesthetic, during a routine clean I struggle to breathe.

I've found that what works for me is to focus on making sure I am breathing through my nose, so I don't feel like I'm going to suffocate (that's what it feels like to me) and I make sure my dentist knows I'm a poor patient, and we have a little system where I wave my hand in the air if I need a break.

Also the anaesthetic is very local, it will only apply to the upper or lower part of your gum that is being worked on, you'll be well able to feel your tongue/the rest of your mouth

Edit: As a youngster I used to be a good dental patient, my phobia comes from a dentist who gave me too little anaesthetic.
Believe me, the pain of not enough anaesthesia was excruciating.

January

OP I was at the dentist a few months ago and had two fillings, with anesthetic, I could still swallow as normal and could feel my mouth etc, the only part that was actually numb was the gum where I'd had the fillings.

SillyMangoX

I'm hoping that's how it'll be for me too, bit the bullet and got an appointment for tomorrow. Longer I put it off the worse the fear will get so I'm just gonna grin and bear it. My mother is going to come in with me to help talk me through it if I get too panicky. I think a few minutes of anxiety is worth being able to eat chocolate again, it's not like it'll kill me, it's only a feeling that will fade after all! (or at least that's what I keep telling myself )

SillyMangoX

Turns out I'd no cavities at all she took X-rays and all the teeth were solid but said there was a slight fracture line by my old filling from the type of filling because it's a white one and the fact I grind my teeth so it's lead to sensitivity. So she painted on some sort of numbing varnish thing, I've to use sensodine toothpaste and find my old teeth shield and start wearing it. She also said I don't need to get my wisdom teeth removed anymore because they're all basically up now so leave well alone if they're not symptomatic so after getting so worked up it turned into a rather good day

January

Probably a fissure seal for the tooth