Tooth cavity questions.?

Depending on the dentist, you might only get a cleaning, X-rays, and evaluation on your first visit. Many dentists do not do the fillings the first trip in. Then, as to the discomfort involved, that too depends on the dentist. I've been to some that advertise nearly painless dentistry, and they really do a wonderful job. I've also been to some that do not "bother" with that. In the painless dentistry they usually use cloves to deaden the gums, or some laughing gas to make you a little numb and tingly, before injecting your gums with the medication to "deaden" the nerves. Otherwise, they will tell you that you will feel a little pinch, and yep...that is about it....within a second or so, the numbness begins so you don't feel anymore injections. Then, they wait a short time for the medication to take effect, and you really don't feel any pain...even when they "hit a nerve" because the nerve has been medicated. If you are worried, just close your eyes so you don't see the syringe...that usually helps. And, ask if they can use some cloves or something to make the pinch a little less noticeable. The drill usually only hurts if you have a shallow cavity and the dentist decides not to "numb you up." Even then, if you stop him/her, you will get numbed up. But, it sounds like yours is going to be pretty deep, so I'm pretty sure you will get medicated.

What you will have to watch is that you don't bite the inside of your mouth, lips, or tongue while you are numb. That hurts more than anything else once the medication wears off.

I get lots of fillings. It mostly depends on your dentist.

For my dentist, I don't need an injection. The filling may tickle your nerve a little. But it doesn't hurt so bad to the point where you get tears in your eyes. For me the most nerve-wrecking part is the drilling. Just becuz I get a little uneasy about holes and drilling. It only takes about 1 min. Then after that, they fill the hole up. Which doesn't hurt at all. And before you know it, your done.