is there a different way?

Question

someone said when getting a filling there is either a needle or u can ask for a numing gel and no needle and itz the same thing...is that true?

Answer 1

THEY USUALLY NUMB IT FIRST WITH A GEL THN GIVE YOU THE SHOT, IT HELPS, IT ONLY FEELS LIKE A PINCH THEN

Answer 2

You're really not going to get numb enough for most fillings based only on a gel applied to the surface of the gums. What many dentists will do is apply a topical gel anaesthetic to the outside of the gums in the area in which they will be injecting the local anaesthetic, then wait a couple of minutes, check if you are feeling at all numb, and inject the local anaesthetic. It does not guarantee that there will be no pain when getting the injection, but it does tend to make it a lot easier on you.

For some very minor fillings that are not at or below the gum line, it may be possible to do it without any anaesthetic. I have had very small fillings done without anaesthetic with no problems. The important thing in that case is to let the dentist know if you experience any pain/discomfort.

Answer 3

When you get a filling, they put numbing gel on the spot that they will stick the needle to numb it completely. I've had many fillings and never got the option of no needle at all! The gel will only numb the surface of your gums, the stuff in the needle numbs your inside gums so it won't hurt when they fix your teeth.

Answer 4

No its not the same thing. The numbing gel is jus put in the spot where the needle is injected so you feel it less. The novicaine which comes out of the needle goes into your gum under the tooth and nerve to prevent pain while they are driling out the cavity. The numbing gel is just topical and doesnt go in the gum so you will feel the drilling compltley
-dental assistant

Answer 5

I think the numbing gel is to put on the gum before the injection, to lessen the pain of the injection. I don't think it would be strong enough to numb the area for a filling.

Answer 6

If any drilling has to be done, a needle is your only viable option. However, there is a product availbale to dentists that makes the injection virtually painless. It's an anesthetic patch for your gum. Call around and find out if any of your local dentists use it. They may not because it costs them more.

Answer 7

My dentist has never given me an option, but it doesn't sound like it would be as effective.

If you're scared of the needle, don't worry! You barely feel it, it's like a tiny pinch, and trust me...it's better to feel a minor discomfort then to chance using gel and feeling the drill.

Answer 8

HELLO DEE,

DENTAL SHOTS USUALLY ARE NOT PAINFUL IF ADMINISTERED WITH CARE. NUMBING GEL IS SOMETIMES PLACED ON THE GUMS BEFORE THE INJECTION IS GIVEN TO DECREASE THE PERCEPTION OF PAIN.
WITH THE RIGHT HANDS DENTAL SHOTS ARE NOT PAINFUL.
FOR CERTAIN SMALL FILLINGS AIR ABRASION CAN BE DONE WHERE THE CAVITY IS BLASTED OUT CLEAN WITH A FINE STREAM OF SAND. THIS REQUIRES NO SHOTS AT ALL.

Answer 9

They can put a plastic bag over your head until you pass out and then give you the shot, or they can have someone punch you to knock you out before they give you the shot, although you might need some more work from the punch in the jaw... It might help to have the punching knocker-out guy dress like a clown to alleviate some of the horror of being attacked at the dentists office.
Or if you think that's crazy, you could stop being a baby and just take the shot.

Answer 10

They numb your gum so you wouldnt feel the needle, and you definiyely want to have a novacaine unless you enjoy the pain! LOL