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.
How can I get over my fear of needles so that I can seek treatment?
Hello, I cracked my bottom 3 from last tooth about 6 months ago, I went to the dentist and had a tempory filling but he noted I would have to come back as the same tooth on the bottom right was also ‘going’. the bottom right tooth has now also gone so the same tooth on both sides is now cracked in half.
I dont have a problem with dentists but i do have a problem with needles, especially needles in the mouth. I’ve never had one and avoided them at all costs.
I currently don’t have any pain with my cracked teeth, do you think they will be able to just fill them or will they have to remove them?
Also I use an NHS dentist, do they offer any other way of anesthetic other than the needles?
Thanks
Hello
firstly to have treatment of any kind on your cracked teeth you will need some form of anaesthesia , whether to fill them or extract them .
I have three patients who have fillings without local , but they know themselves and are stoical with a high pain threshold .
The only way to avoid this would be to request a General Anaesthetic on referral to have extractions .That would then be done with an injection in the arm .
However you say you can’t have needles in the mouth , yet you have never had one ?
It would help if you thought about why you are so afraid of them when you have no experience . What is your imagination doing , or are you listening to other peoples experiences ?
They can be given with a minimum or no discomfort , using topical local anesthetics first .
Have you shared your fear with the dentist ,they may be able to suggest some sedative medication to help with your anxiety about this .
I hope this might help bit to get you the treatment you need
