Hi every1!

Well in a way i feel selfish for being so afraid and asking for help cuz of a couple of cavities when there are ppl out there getting root canals and wisdom teeth extracted. I don't think i could ever do that i would probably die!! Well i'm 16 but the dentist is still my biggest fear. I got my teeth cleaned today and i was on the verge of tears sumtimes i wonder if every's dentists are as rough as mine. Anyways, they said i've got 3 shallow cavities. I haven't had a filling since i was 8 and i remember that i cried and cried and cried. I'm so scared to get the filling... he they aren't taht deep so its up to me whether i want the needle. Do u guys think i should get the needle?? I'm so squirmish. I asked for gas they said they can't give it. HELLLLP

I think if you can't have gas, you should probably have some other local anesethic, because even though the cavities are shallow and may not involve as much drilling, you might still feel some pain, esp. if you are really sensitive to it. I have that particular problem even with shallow drilling in the enamal, I still feel pain in the tooth.

Now a days, the shots aren't so bad, really, as there seems to have been some changes in the past few years, I've noticed. They usually dab the area of the injection with a local, which tastes funny but takes a lot of the sting away. Depending on whether it's the upper or lower jaw, they'll either inject near the teeth(upper) or near the back of the mouth(lower jaw where all the teeth are connected with the same nerve). The lower jaw is a bit trickier and might need more time to numb because they have to block the nerve usually a distance away from the tooth. Usually, on the upper jaw, it might be 1-2 injections.

Then my dentists tests to make sure the anesthetic is working properly and doing its job. If not, then she gives another injection to be sure. For the lower teeth, I have to have the longer lasting shots which leave you numb for up to six hours, but it's different for everyone.

It's very important that you're catching these cavities early. Less drilling and filling so it shouldn't take that long at all. My dentist did one small cavity and replaced two old fillings in about a half an hour, after I was numb. If you don't take care of the fillings, then down the line, you might be looking at the more extensive dental work like root canals which are much more prolonged in terms of time spent in the chair, so it's good that you're being pro-active. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

And when you go to get your teeth filled, you should ask your dentist about the various materials that can be used as fillings. Whether you would like composite(white) or silver, for example, both have pluses and minuses with them.

Thanks for the replies i really appreciate. I've wanted to change dentists for so long and this is definitely the last straw.. my mom says i can go to my older sisters dentist (who she says is very gentle) but just let my old dentist take care of this. and you're right they have very old fashioned styles. I've been whining about it like a 2year old all day, i'm so squirmish about needles since a couple of years ago at a hospital i was injected with the wrong substance and it was very thick it hurt so much and i couldn't walk for a whole day. I can faint at the thought of needles but my dentist says its not necessary so i feel stupid pushing on. So i guess i'll just go through it http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif Do fillings really hurt tho? Some people say yes others say no? Thanks again for those who replied i appreciate