Why are Fillings So Scary?
Because of the shot and the drill. Everyone knows the sound of a dentists drill whining. And yes, it used to hurt. Even as recently as thirty years ago, anesthetic and application techniques were still a little uncertain. Presently, the science of painkillers has reached a high level of technological expertise. Most customers are not actually afraid of pain from the drill… they’re afraid of pain from the shot used to deliver the painkiller!
Pain during the shot is closely related to the skills of the dentist. Empathy is just as important as technical expertise. If your dentist believes that shots do not have to be painful, he will work conscientiously towards the goal of making shots painless. He should tell you exactly what to expect, and use the technique that will work best for you. Common techniques involve drying the area, using numbing gel, or small distractions for the patient.
And remember, whether the shot hurts a little, a lot, or not at all, it’s very likely to be the only pain you’ll experience in your whole stay at your dentist. You’ll feel the pressure of the drill, you’ll hear the whine, and you’ll likely smell the tooth being whisked away but it won’t hurt.