Does one need local anesthetic for a dental filling?

Question

Does one need local anesthetic for a dental filling?

please inform why or why not and

please don't be hesitant to go into detail.

thanks!

<3

Answer 1

Sometimes.  If the decay comes close to the nerves in the center of the tooth, then the drilling could be uncomfortable or even painful even if the drill never touches the nerve.  On the other hand, if the area of decay is shallow and doesn&#039;t need a lot of drilling, a dentist may opt for doing it without anesthesia.  

Answer 2

It depends on your threshold for pain.  Some people do not mind dental work and would prefer not to have a local because of the numbness afterwords.  I&#039;d rather have the numbing agent, although I don&#039;t care for the shots.  My dentist has a small patch that they rub on your cheek and gum prior to the shot that makes it less uncomfortable.  There are pros and cons to both.