No Novocaine before filling cavity? Is this normal?

Question

I got a cavity filled today. I had two. One was larger and one was a little smaller. I got the larger one filled today (he numbed the area first) and I'm planning on going back pretty soon to get the second one filled. I'd never seen this dentist before, but he seemed pretty competent. After we got done he said that if I returned soon enough to get the second one done, we wouldn't have to numb the area first. Is this normal? Can someone please explain this to me?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Your dentist probably meant that if you return soon, before the cavity got larger, he could fill it without anesthesia. This is normal if the cavity is only in the enamel portion of the tooth structure. There are no nerves in the enamel. In fact, when treating children, if there are small cavities in the enamel, injection anesthesia is rarely used. This is because the nerve area of the tooth is not being touched, and the child will respond better to the pressure sensation as opposed to receiving the dreaded shot.
Ask your dentist before he proceeds if this is indeed what he meant, but yes, this is normal procedure for small cavities. Instead of receiving the injection and being numb for the rest of the afternoon for a 10 minute procedure, you will just feel pressure on your tooth during the drilling process.

Answer 2

It's your responsibility to explain to them that if they keep their teeth clean and stay away from candy, they won't get cavities. But if they do, it's good to catch them early and the treatment is really easy. Not treating your teeth is dangerous and, for your information, the untreated cavities they have when they leave the parent's home often turn into bank-breaking illnesses of the mouth in their early adulthood. Also, shop around for a pediatric specialist. Family dentists sound child friendly, but they are not. They are not set up and mentally prepared to deal with young, fidgety, frightened children all day, everyday. They are often impatient with them, resorting to any methods to get the work over with and sometimes don't do a good job because the patient won't hold still. Can't blame them, they are just not the best resource for children's care. Novocaine shots depend on where the tooth was. On the top, several tiny penetrations of just millimeters surround the tooth. On the bottom, the needle goes into the crook of the jaw, numbing the bottom. Not much volume of Novocaine is used in a child's mouth, but depends on the size of the tooth. The children will complain late into the night about the work done. Cavity filling isn't a walk in the park. The numbness should be long over though, longest lasting would be the injection into the jaw. They are probably fine right now, right?

Answer 3

No Novocaine For Fillings

Answer 4

I've never been in that situation (getting cavities filled back to back).

When I was a kid and terrified of needles, I opted to go without the Novocaine. There was a constant pinch, but no pain.

Ask your dentist to explain why you won't need to be numbed.

Answer 5

First, novocaine hasn't been used in the USA for quite a few years. What's used almost exclusively for dental work is Xylocaine. Your dentist may refer to it as "novocaine" simply because that's what laypeople call it.

What your dentist meant was that if you returned soon, before the cavity gets much larger, he'll be able to fill it without anesthesia, because it's so small.

Answer 6

If the cavity is very minor, it can be filled without novocaine. The small amount of drilling involved doesn't get near the nerves (that's what causes pain). I've had several small ones taken care of without it. By "soon enough" he meant before it gets too large, not "soon enough after the first one was done"

Answer 7

I had this done before it depends on how deep the cavity is.In my case it was a piece of cake.it took less time then having to wait for the Novocain to kick in..

Answer 8

I have never had anaesthetic when getting teeth filled. In the past I have had some fairly large fillings, and the pain was never unbearable - and with just a small filling it really doesn't cause much discomfort at all.

I would be guilded by the dentist, as they are usually pretty conservative, and if he says it doesn't need a needle, you can be pretty sure it will be okay.

Answer 9

I think he was making a joke that just flew straight over your head.

I've had a tooth filled before the novocaine had a chance to take effect and IT WAS NOT FUN. But my dentist seemed to be running behind that day so I let it slide.

Luckily it started to take effect at about the time I was paying my bill.

Answer 10

Yes, it is sometimes if the decay isn't into the second layer of the tooth, meaning just into the enamel, it can be done without getting numb. No pain and complete feeling when you leave