Cavity fear

[conqueringfears]

Hi!

1. I am apprehensive to get a filling done on a cavity because I got one a few years ago (on another tooth) and it is still sensitive. I have gone back to the dentist and she said it looks fine, but it doesn’t feel fine. So I’m worried to get this new filling done.

2. I am worried about this tooth I have circled in green. I have a cavity. I have put it off for a while. The tooth doesn’t have any pain but you can see that it has a cavity. How much longer can I safely wait?

3. How long should the dentist wait before starting the filling once given a numbing injection? She started immediately after last time and I felt pain right away. I’m scared to go back to her for that reason. It also makes my heart race when I get the numbing and my blood sugar feels like it drops but according to everyone and everything it’s not normal so not believed.

 

[Gordon]

1) Not convinced there's a cavity there, but you can't tell from looking alone
2) If there's a cavity there, it's a very small one, so the earlier it was tackled the easier it'll be for you
3) Depends, it's usually a couple of minutes or so, I usually just ask how the numb feeling is going. Gives a chance for a bit of a chat with the patient, get all the materials etc ready to use.


Heart racing is a result of the adrenaline in the local going into a vein, it happens occasionally but it's not a big deal honestly. There are adrenaline free locals if it bothers you that much, ask for them instead.
The blood sugar feeling is due to stress, try to make sure you've eaten something before your appointment, do not go in totally starved.