Question about getting fillings?

I'm going to the dentist next week for the first time in almost 10 years and I'm very scared about it. I don't think my teeth are too bad, I don't have any huge holes or bad toothaches or anything, but I have a couple of teeth that I'm pretty sure I'll need fillings in, they have what I think are small cavities in them, small holes in the grooves of the molars.





The dentist I'm going to advertises that he can do fillings with a laser and it's painless - has anyone else had fillings done with a laser instead of a drill, and if so, what is it like? I've never had any fillings before, so I'm very anxious about it, but I wondered whether it was worth paying extra for the laser and if it hurts or not.

Question about getting fillings?
No type of filling really hurts, even when they use the drill. All your dentist will do is use a local injection to numb the tooth and the area around it, if you want them to, some of them will apply a gel to the area the needle will go into so you won't even feel that. Then after your completely numbed by the injection they'll drill down into the tooth to remove the decayed part, and fill the tooth, and you'll be on your way. Chances are you won't have any fillings or anything done at the first appointment anyways. At that appointment your dentist will probably clean your teeth, probe around them with the pick, take some wingbite x-rays, maybe take another type of x-ray that circles your head to show teeth and sinuses. Then he/she will review your x-rays tell you how many cavities you have, if there's any infections, how many fillings or root canals, and have you make another appointment to have the work done. Discuss the laser option with him and see if he believes it would be worth paying extra money for. If he's an honest dentist he'll give you an honest opinion instead of one just based on the money he'll make. Honestly though, a filling shouldn't hurt - a quick little pinch when they numb you and then you won't feel anything. You'll be numb for a bit after they finish, maybe a little sore when the numbness wears off, but it shouldn't be anything severe. Good Luck.
Reply:I've had them done with a laser and it is less painful than a drill.
Reply:Well, I can't tell you about the laser, but if it's out of your price range and you decide to do it the drill way, I'll tell you about that.


They put a little numbing gel on your gum where the needle for the novocaine goes. Then they give you the shot for novocaine. Your mouth and tongue will all be very very numb. When the dentist works on you, you feel pressure, but it obviously doesn't hurt.


They have white fillings, instead of the metal ones from however long ago, so they'll match your teeth. They use a little light thing to harden the filling inside your tooth.


If they're small cavities then they shouldn't take too long.


I once had a filling done on a very shallow cavity, and I didn't even need novocaine.


And I'm 16 and terrified of the dentist
Reply:Most of the real discomfort from drilling is not pain. It is the terrible SOUND the drill makes, because the vibration is conducted through the bone, directly to your ear. No one likes this sound. Some people just cope with it better than others.





The laser drilling will be MUCH quieter, so it makes the patient more relaxed and comfortable.
Reply:It does'nt hurt as bad. It also does'nt taste as bad. Like, when they drill the cavity out with the drill, it taste really bad. It does'nt taste that bad with a laser.