I have a friend who never gets a shot before a filling is done. Her dentist lets her do it without the local anesthetic. I have an appointment for a filling coming up and told the dentist I’d like to do it without a shot. She insists that’s not possible, but I know it is. What’s going on?
Angela
Dear Angela,
There’s no worse feeling than the worry you can’t trust your caregiver, especially when your health is concerned. I’m a big believer in making sure the patient understands the “why”‘ behind every treatment.
I haven’t examined you, so take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt. What I can say is when I’d insist on an anesthetic and when I wouldn’t. If a cavity is small and the patient isn’t a nervous or jumpy patient, then I’d go without the shot if that’s what they wanted.
I know one family dentist who has a pediatric patient who is so afraid of shots, they never give her one unless it is absolutely necessary. She always does fine.
However, sometimes a cavity can look small but actually be very deep. In that case, I’d insist on a shot for a very important reason. It’s going to hurt if you don’t. Deep decay is close to nerves. Sometimes one will be touched. If you jump (and you will) it’s possible the drill can get pushed further than necessary causing a need for more extensive repairs.
Communication is Key
It’s okay to ask your dentist why. If they have a problem explaining it to you or get annoyed, this may not be the right family dentist for you. In that case, I’d get a second opinion from another dentist, then go with the diagnosis you’re most comfortable with.
However, it will cost a fortune if you have to do that a lot. I’d start looking for another dentist if you don’t trust this one or they just won’t answer questions.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.