I have to go and get a cavity filled today. I haven't been to the dentist in several years because I hate going. Well I noticed I had a cavity maybe a year or more ago... It was very little It has gotten bigger so I thought I would suck it up and get it filled because I don't want to have to get a root canal... I am 21 years old and am the biggest baby LOL please help!!
2007-04-25 04:51:26 · 15 answers · asked by sweetninnocent86 2 in Health ➔ Dental
It'll hurt a LOT less than if you let it go. :-)
Ask your doctor what kind of "relaxation methods" he or she uses. These days, it's not uncommon to use nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") for even simple procedures, and allow patients to listen to earphones. My dentist doesn't even charge extra for the nitrous oxide, which is, of course, WHY he is my dentist. :-)
It wouldn't hurt anyway, it's just a little uncomfortable, and disturbing when you see and smell "smoke". They numb the gums first using a topical gel, then they give you a shot (in the numbed gum), and they wait a few minutes. When they ask if you feel numb, or if you can feel anything, be honest. They'll numb you up until you are actually numb.
Then they'll drill the tooth that has the cavity, and it's at this point where you will "see and smell smoke". Don't worry, that's supposed to happen. He hasn't set fire to your mouth. Then the dentist will mix and apply the filling material (which, thankfully, is no longer grey or silver, but tooth-colored). Depending on the material used, the dentist will probably use a very strong light to kind of seal the material. Finally, it will be filed down to resemble the original shape of the tooth (if you have a cavity in the top of a molar, for example, they'll file the tooth down to give you a natural bite.
As the numbing stuff wears off, it's quite possible you won't even feel a thing. If anything, you may feel a very slight uncomfortable feeling where the shot was given, easily dealt with by taking a dose of Tylenol or Advil.
2007-04-25 05:14:09 · answer #1 · answered by CrazyChick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 19 or 20 when I got my first fillings, 5 to be exact. I went to a good dentist because I was having discomfort with a wisdom tooth, I didn't know I had any cavities. They were just babies, he filled all without Novocaine. When you go tell them that you are afraid and that is why you haven't gone in several years. If he/she is a good dentist they will be very understanding and it will be very important to them to make you comfortable. Get novacaine and you won't feel anything and after words I never had pain. If I can do it, you can do it.
And I still hate going to the dentist, but I go every 6 months since my first appt. and that has been 8 or 9 years ago. Good Luck!
2007-04-25 12:00:39 · answer #2 · answered by maggie77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate going to the dentist, especially when I need a filling. The dentist has a topical treatment that he can give you before you get novacane. It still hurts a little but not nearly as bad. I still close my eyes and hold on tight to the arm of the chair.
2007-04-25 11:55:52 · answer #3 · answered by ttpawpaw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not very much, my dentist gives me enough novocaine to paralyze a horse!
You won't feel pain but maybe some pressure while the dentist is working. He will check on you and make sure you aren't feeling anything.
Good luck!
2007-04-25 12:01:49 · answer #4 · answered by tiny Valkyrie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a dental assistant and no it does not hurt at all. If your concern ask your dentist about sedation. There is gas sedation or intravenous. Both work great. Or just have them tell you step by step what they are doing. Either way don't be scared. Hope I helped ease your fear. Good Luck.
2007-04-25 11:59:55 · answer #5 · answered by Ami Fox 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What I always hate the most is the shot. After that it's all good. If you feel any pain after the shot have the dentist give you another shot. You shouldn't have to feel anything.
2007-04-25 12:17:40 · answer #6 · answered by Deb S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go the the dentist ASAP! The longer you wait, the worse it can get!
2007-04-25 11:55:11 · answer #7 · answered by Isabella 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had plenty, no big deal. My 8yr old had one filled, his only complaint was the numbness after.
2007-04-25 12:00:54 · answer #8 · answered by MOMMYBEST 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not as much as if you let the cavity stay exposed!
2007-04-25 11:54:03 · answer #9 · answered by Queen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just suck it up and do it.. pain is fleeting for a life time of original teeth.
2007-04-25 11:57:50 · answer #10 · answered by aliviakim 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋