Successful injections & treatment

[mbc350]

I'm from the US. Yesterday (5 June 2025) I met w/ my dentist, a young, very nice & friendly female professional, to go over a treatment plan to replace 7 old fillings over time, which I voluntarily chose to do. However, when I got to the 1st appt., I was very nervous and told her about it. She was very sympathetic & compassionate and reassured me she'd help me get thru it. The 1st IABN injection, a lower nerve block on the left side, didn't cause much of a pinch (surprisingly "little" rather than "big" poke on the surface mucosa, thanks in part to the numbing gel), as she slowly, carefully, and gently advanced the thin needle, until the tip of the needle touched the main nerve in the left jaw (which she cautioned me could happen in my particular case, which was rare for most patients anyway). The affected nerve area had already been irritated before due to prior negligence on my part (which I won't elaborate here), so when the needle pressed or bumped against it, it caused a moderately painful stinging or tingling sensation in the lower-left side of my bottom lip & chin, but only for a few seconds. As she was doing the needle placement part, she spoke calmly to me to help me relax; and I must say, in her hands of care, I felt very comfortable & safe. She had to do several more subsequent boosters around the left back teeth to get them numb (buccal, lingual, PDL, Gow-Gates), and with each one, there was mostly pressure and only a couple of minor, quick, throbbing sensations (which soon subsided, to my relief) as the fluid had to be forced into tougher areas; but overall, they weren't too bad, and I'd rate them as 2/5 (mild) on a scale. I may provide more details later, but I appreciate everyone for your past support, and I'm esp. grateful to the admin. staff, including Dr. Gordon, Daniel, Brit, and anyone else whose names I apologize for forgetting to mention. I've come a long way to overcoming my fear of needles, and it's all because of people like you who encouraged me along the way! I hope my testimony will provide psychological morale to other anxious & phobic patients. With the right dentist & mental prep., you can do this! It may take some time, or it may be more convenient at a faster pace; but either way, don't give up on yourself. You'll eventually make some progress and feel better about yourself as you persevere. Feel free to reply as you're able. Thanks again. God bless everyone.