Fear re a possible filling

[CherylE]

I am putting off seeing my dentist for a number of reasons. I get lower jaw pain when holding my mouth open wide for a length of time. When I bite into an apple, say, I get pain in the right lower jaw at the hinge, and a 'click' of the jaw at the 'hinge' (feels like it's breaking?) I've been told I grind my teeth although I try consciously not to. I also have needle phobia (partly due to painful dentistry) That's the background, now the question.

My Dentist wants to replace an old amalgam filling (it's more filling than tooth to be honest) on the lower right side, second tooth in. Where would the needle be inserted and does numbing gel really work on this area? If the tooth, filling is causing no pain, do I really need it done? There is no NHS where I live so it is expensive! Thank you.

 

[annie778]

you should get a second opinion if you are not sure you need the work done. Have you been told why it needs replacing?

I had the same tooth filled a couple of years back and the needle went into the flesh between the two jaw bones and I was totally amazed at how pain free the injection was. I can't remember if I had gel but I think the area I had the injection must have very little nerves. I remember having fillings in the bottom jaw as a child and having a needle on the inside of the area those teeth are. That is a very sensitive spot and I used to hate having injections after that, so I was very impressed there is an alternative and that it was so pain free. These days many dentists seem to have training on accupressure points to divert the mind from the injection site and of course you have numbing gel (which has worked for me in the past).

I have had some tmj too and have a click on one side of my jaw. I have a nightguard to relax my jaw at night (which is when I used to grind). Has your dentist not suggested one?

 

[CherylE]

Thank you. This site is really helpful and I am more confident that I can cope now.

 

[CherylE]

Hi,
I have another question. My dentist has booked me in to have this filling done as the old one has deteriorated. Fair enough, the last thing I want is an infection. However, he also wants to scale and polish my teeth. I find this painful even though he is very gentle. Would taking an over the counter painkiller beforehand help?. I'm reluctant to ask for injections as I really dislike them and of course, the more he does, the more it costs!

 

[Gordon]

Yes, some Ibuprofen or Ketoprofen might help a little bit. There's also an anaesthetic gel you can apply before scaling, err, I can't remember the name right now... the dentist squirts some on before doing the scaling and it works quite well