Hello,

I have a cracked back tooth and I am in a lot of pain. I also have a HUGE phobia of the needles used and to a lesser part the pain in general, is sedation freely available?
I just need some help and for someone to let me know. Thank you.

Dear Dr Pinder, I am in need of 2 fillings but I am nervous about visiting the dentist to get them done. 5 years ago I fainted whilst having a biopsy taken at my local maxillofacial unit and I worry that it will happen again on my next visit, so I keep putting off my filling appointment.

I have heard about air abrasion and waterlase as potential substitutes to a drill. Am I right in thinking they can only be used for small fillings? Would you recommend these procedures for a nervous patient and are they expensive?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes.

Hey. The last 4 or 5 times I’ve been to the dentist, I’ve had a gagging problem that has prevented me from getting fillings and tooth decay removed. I now have black spots on my wisdom teeth and am worried. Last time I went, they tried putting a filling in and I used an anaesthetic spray but had no luck. Also I tried breathing through my nose and it didn’t work. Any tips on how to prevent me from gagging? It normally starts when something is touching the back of my tongue. Do you know if the dentist can drill a hole into my tooth and not put anything in my mouth and put a filling in to it?

Hi. I have had a large abscess for 4 weeks now, under a back tooth. 3 sets of antibiotics have done nothing apart from reduce the facial swelling.
I usually pay for IV sedation but I don’t even feel this is an option as I am just terrified now after issues with this tooth. Can I ask to be referred to hospital to have the abscess drained and the tooth pulled under general anaesthetic? Thanks.