Can I Get Teeth Fillings Without a Numbing Shot?

Can I ask a dentist not to give me a shot before filling three medium-sized fillings? I hate needles and prefer not to get local anesthesia for fillings. I have a high tolerance for pain anyway. How can I convince her not to give me a shot before filling the cavities? Is this something my dental insurance company or primary care doctor can talk to my dentist about? I want the cavities filled. I just do not want the injection. Thanks for your help. Enrique

Enrique,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office.

Can You Get Teeth Fillings Without a Numbing Injection?

Although you can get fillings without a numbing injection, your dentist will explain the difference between treatment with local anesthesia and treatment without it. Medium-sized cavities may take some work to remove the decay, and they may become uncomfortable for you. Your dentist is knowledgeable about your case and will let you know what to expect either way.

If you are anxious about receiving injections, ask your dentist what she does to deliver pain-free injections. Be open to her opinion and weigh your pros and cons before making a final decision. Your dentist can apply a topical anesthetic to your gums to numb them and prevent you from feeling the injection.

Many dental offices offer distractions like music or an overhead TV to help you focus on something other than the dental procedure and its sights and sounds.

Also, dental sedation can help you relax and lower your sensitivity to pain or discomfort during a dental appointment. Depending on your anxiety level, your dentist may recommend nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation before beginning your dental procedure. Contact your dental insurance company to ask about plan benefits for sedation. Your dentist may also offer payment plans to make care more affordable.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.