Expert answers
We know how daunting dental treatment can be. Our Dental Phobia certified experts are here to help ease your mind before treatment by answering your questions.
Are There Any Alternatives to Injections for a Filling?
I know that I have several cavities. I’m 15 and have been petrified of the dentist since I was 7. I have a phobia of needles and injections. Literally petrified! I burst into tears when just talking about them with my dentist. I know I need to get these fillings done but I 100 percent refuse to have an injection. what should I do? Are there any alternatives?
Hi, thanks for getting in touch. It’s possible to have a filling done without an injection, but its highly probable that it would be too painful to tolerate. A few people can do this but it’s rare.
Do you know how this phobia of needles began, and is it really rational?
I suggest you have a look at the website of Anxiety UK. They have some useful resources about injections and needle phobia. I wouldn’t have a dental injection until I was 17, then when I did I realised it didn’t hurt and the fillings didn’t hurt.
So there really aren’t any alternatives unless you can find a facility to give you IV sedation, but that does mean an injection in your arm. Talk to your dentist about a referral for some CBT which might help. Hope this helps, Jenny.
