Dentist question.

[Torvean]

I used to be lucky enough to go to a private dentist. He was excellent.

Anyway ive had to move dentist. I went for the first time this week. I had to get a root filling and some antibitics put into the root.

So my issue. I noticed the dentist getting the needle ready and i asked if i wasnt going to get the numbing gel? He did get it but he didnt leave it on for long. He also seemed as if it wasnt a normal request. The injections still hurt in places too.

My old dentist automatically put on the gel

So my question is, do you normally get the numbing gel? Would you feel ok asking for it if it wasnt automatically offered?

Thank you.

I’ve never had numbing gel prior to injections at the dentist.

Mine doesn’t use it either, but is very experienced, uses a very fine bore needle and can inject without hurting at all.
We used it regularly on the sedation list I used to run for dental phobics, but it was really more for reassurance and a wee bit of surface numbing.

My private dentist always uses it but I never had it in the past with NHS. It makes such a difference so yes I would ask for it!

Most adults don't have it. I only really use it for children.

If someone requests then yes I would use it, but not as default. With good technique you take away most of the feeling of the injection. It depends on the location as well, some will hurt no matter what, even with numbing gel.

NHS appointments are a lot shorter than private, there's not going to be time to do extra steps automatically on the NHS. You pay very little with NHS dentistry compared to what it actually costs

It's just for children IME.

Never had it or even heard of it sorry.

Children therefore never had it either.

Ive never had numbing gel.

Definitely ask for it, it's there and available. And like you said make sure they leave it on for a few minutes to really reduce any pain. I'm a dental nurse (private) and in my experience our dentist only applies the topical gel in areas where he knows the injection will be especially tender. So by all means EVERYONE ask for the gel if you want lol. The longer on the better haha so ask as soon as you get in the chair. It really helps any nervous patients and if you're are paying privately you expect a better service IMO xx

Sorry just read this that maybe you were now at a NHS dentist? If so then yeah it's common for them to only really use the gel on children. But everyone is entitled to ask for this stuff like I said xx

Thanks for all the advice. Ill just ask straight away next time. Id be more than happy to pay extra for it.

My private dentist doesnt use numbing gel

Most adults don't have it. I only really use it for children.

I’ve never not had it

I have a private dentist and have never heard of numbing gel!

My surgery has NHS and private patients. I'm scared of injections - although not the dentist or treatment - and have only had the gel once for an injection in the roof of my mouth when I needed to get my upper wisdom tooth out. I'm not sure it made much difference, it still really hurt, but my dentist knew I was nervous of it and obviously wanted me to know she was doing everything she could to make me comfortable. Having the actual tooth out was a breeze in comparison!

My private dentist uses it on me. I didn't ask.