Extremely small cavities?

Question

the dentist said that i got 2 extremely small cavities on my back teeth...

will the dentist give me a shot to numb it when he drills even though its a really small cavity??

i heard that they dont need to numb it if its small??...

please comment...

Answer 1

If they are just in the enamel....you may not need the local anesthesia...

If they are into the dentin.....then it is too close to the nerve and you will have to have the local....

Also.....it makes the dentist more comfortable to do what is necessary, if it is larger than expected, then he won't have to stop and do the local, and be worrying that he is causing pain....

Answer 2

Dentists I've visited have given the option of trying to proceed without the shot and then stop and numb the area if you feel its necessary.  Ask if this is an option. Or ask if they have gas available.

Dental shots are not nearly as painful (to most people) as the ones received in the arms or buttocks - even my squeamish 15 year old who recently had a small cavity filled didn't complain with any pain from either the shot or the procedure.

Take care.