Absolutely terrified, how bad does numbing hurt? :(

[parkersluck]

Hi all. I’ve just turned 24 and have put off the dentist for quite a few years. I chickened out a few years ago with getting my teeth fixed but finally had a wisdom tooth break so I now have to. I have a 9 cavities but luckily they’re just needing regular fillings, and I do have to get my wisdom teeth taken out.
My dentist is going to take out just the one broken wisdom tooth first and fill 3 cavities. I cried talking to her because I was so upset and stressed. Just doing one side at a time that way I can still chew on the other. I have some health issues so that’s why.

I’m going to do Lauging gas. I’m a cheap drunk so i’m guessing it’ll relax me fast. I cried at my appointment because I was so sad and upset and i’ve been crying everyday since.

How bad does getting the area numbed hurt? Can they put numbing gel before? I’m so upset about this, that i’ve considered cancelling my appointment but I can’t let my cavities get any worse. Like I said she is only taking out one top wisdom tooth and fixing 3 cavities. So that shouldn’t be too bad or painful, right?
It’s really sending me into so much anxiety. I was shaking at the dentist from just fear of pain. They’re so nice and comforting but I’m so scared. I’m tough but I hate anything to do with my teeth or needles. I’ve been crying for a few hours over it tonight, and I feel so silly. I just don’t want to be in any pain. I’m afraid of getting numbed and afraid i’ll know what’s going on when they take the one tooth out. (I’ve heard you can bring headphones to listen to music so you don’t hear any of the noises?)

But i’m mostly afraid of the numbing being so painful. I hate needles so much and my teeth always hurt so i’m so scared. What’s your experiences? Thanks so much everyone.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

As a dentist who treats mainly anxious patients, I can tell you that the injection can be not only not painful but in most cases even unnoticeable. It may sound science-fiction to you, but only after having a pain free injection, you will know it is possible.
There are many ways achieving that, and what they all have in common is that the dentist has to invest time. How much time? Not longer than 5 minutes time. The problem is that too many dentists (as well as patients) are not willing to invest this time needed for a pain free injection, they just want to shorten this “unpleasant” procedure but this is the wrong approach.
I suggest you email your dentist and share about your concern and ask them whether they can deliver a pain free injection.
Regarding an upper wisdom tooth extraction: the dentist basically needs to numb the outer side of the tooth (the side facing the cheek) and the inner side (at the palate). It should be easy to achieve a pain free injection at the outer side (even without noticing any pinching sensation). The inner side can be challenging and you will probably notice something. Again: if the dentist inject slowly, you should hardly feel a thing.
Hope it helps.

 

[Ladydi1724]

Take EarPods with you and listen to your favorite music. Keep your eyes closed and don’t look at the needles. They do put numbing gel first. I was horrified if the injections and had a 14 teeth extracted at one time. I had about 12-15 injections and felt nothing at all. It is not like it used to be. You will be fine. Please let us know how you do. When is your appointment?

 

[FrightenedJerk]

Hi,

As a dentist who treats mainly anxious patients, I can tell you that the injection can be not only not painful but in most cases even unnoticeable. It may sound science-fiction to you, but only after having a pain free injection, you will know it is possible.
There are many ways achieving that, and what they all have in common is that the dentist has to invest time. How much time? Not longer than 5 minutes time. The problem is that too many dentists (as well as patients) are not willing to invest this time needed for a pain free injection, they just want to shorten this “unpleasant” procedure but this is the wrong approach.
I suggest you email your dentist and share about your concern and ask them whether they can deliver a pain free injection.
Regarding an upper wisdom tooth extraction: the dentist basically needs to numb the outer side of the tooth (the side facing the cheek) and the inner side (at the palate). It should be easy to achieve a pain free injection at the outer side (even without noticing any pinching sensation). The inner side can be challenging and you will probably notice something. Again: if the dentist inject slowly, you should hardly feel a thing.
Hope it helps.

If you don't mind an additional question, I'm facing a lot of numbing after being away from the dentist for years. I'm not necessarily afraid of the numbing, but I'm curious about something. A few months ago, I had a punch biopsy on my lip, and a stitch done. All I felt was the pinch of the needle. I did not have any pain from the biopsy or stitch during or after the procedure or in the days after. Was what they would have used for that numbing novocaine or the same as is used for dental work?

Also, do you advertise as treating anxious patients? Should I have looked for a dentist who specializes in that? The dentist I went to seemed understanding, but the staff was taken aback at how long I'd been away.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

@FrightenedJerk
I don’t know whether they will use the same anesthetic solution as in your lip procedure.
I think the best would be to ask your dentist via an email whether they can deliver an injection promising you will not feel any discomfort. That’s better than any commercial.

 

[parkersluck]

Take EarPods with you and listen to your favorite music. Keep your eyes closed and don’t look at the needles. They do put numbing gel first. I was horrified if the injections and had a 14 teeth extracted at one time. I had about 12-15 injections and felt nothing at all. It is not like it used to be. You will be fine. Please let us know how you do. When is your appointment?

My appointment is on the 23rd. Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m a little less nervous now.

 

[parkersluck]

If you don't mind an additional question, I'm facing a lot of numbing after being away from the dentist for years. I'm not necessarily afraid of the numbing, but I'm curious about something. A few months ago, I had a punch biopsy on my lip, and a stitch done. All I felt was the pinch of the needle. I did not have any pain from the biopsy or stitch during or after the procedure or in the days after. Was what they would have used for that numbing novocaine or the same as is used for dental work?

Also, do you advertise as treating anxious patients? Should I have looked for a dentist who specializes in that? The dentist I went to seemed understanding, but the staff was taken aback at how long I'd been away.

I highly suggest finding a dentist that does sedation dentistry. You can google “sedation dentistry” and some will come up in your area. They are usually very sweet and good with nervous patients.

 

[KItty03]

I have a small white circle on my tongue that has been there for a few months so my dentist said I should have it checked. I saw an oral surgeon who is not concerned about it but said we should biopsy it just to be 100%

I am reading (I know I shouldn’t) horror stories of how bad it is when you get a tongue injection to numb. Has anyone ever had a shot in their tongue for numbing? Is it really awful??