Question:
I have an appointment to have a cavity filled on Tuesday, Nov. 16th and i
have butterflies really bad. When a cavity is filled do you always have to
have injections for novicain(sp). What is the most pain-free way to have a
cavity filled. Should i discuss my fear with my dentist.
Answer:
no, not always. It depends upon the patient's desires, pain tolerance, level
of anxiety, which tooth it is, how deep it is, the patient's age, where it is
located on the tooth, etc. when you go for your appointment, ask your dentist
if he/she thinks you really need it.
The most painless way is under general anesthesia, but that is not warranted
for a single filling, or even for several fillings. the next least painful is
with intravenous sedation, which is also not warranted in the case you
describe. the best thing for you, in my humble opinion, not knowing you, your
dentist, or your case, may be to have oral premedication (a sedative) combined
with nitrous oxide sedation and local anesthetic.
A while back, I had a commercial practice next door to a bar. We
always were running behind. No problemo. Those dudes went next door
and came back pretty mellow.
