Any dentists here- is there an alternative?

[confirmednut]

I have multi drug allergies including a pretty nasty immediate reaction to the swine flu jab and a recent reaction (rash) to an anaesthetic, doctor has advised me to avoid all injections in the future. If I need dental treatment what, if any, are the alternatives to a local anaesthetic- the thought of fillings or extraction without being numbed is really beginning to scare me!

I always do fillings and have done extractions in the past without any anaesthethic. Not nice, but can be done.

For me it's kind-of mind-over matter, I mentally detach myself from the pain iykwim. I do feel the pain, but don't dwell on it, I intensely stare at a spot on the ceiling or something around and close my eyes. Oh yes, and I don't tense up or grab anything, just let me arms rest loosely on the sides.

Thank you nightcat, in the past I?ve always been happily numbed before treatment but as I?ve recently discovered just because I?ve been fine with injections before doesn?t mean I will be now - I?ve always had a bit of a phobia about the dentist but looks like I will have to toughen up. btw I?m full of admiration.

My mum used to do this too, a kind of self hypnosis I suppose, but she doesn't now!

I don't think I could. I think they can use something called a wand, to numb the area nowadays - read about it the other day but can't remember what it was. I think it is like a laser thing, so you get the anaesthesia without the injection? Weirdy stuff but worth looking up.

Ooo thanks ConD, that could be useful, just hope its available out-side of London & (wishful thinking) on the NHS

What worked for me: I used to have fillings and injections without a jab because the dentist prescribed Vallium for me to take half an hour before each session. I was then on a different planet & didn't care what she did to me! One time the Receptionist said to me "Every time you come here, you drop your shopping". I was stoned!

I had quite a long course of treatment, & used to skive off work early for the appointments & go to Sainsbury's first.

Not injections That didn't make sense!

Nightcat - Vallium or similar would doubtless help you too.

Apparently the 'Wand' delivers anaesthetic so wouldn?t be suitable for me unfortunately. I'll talk to my GP about Vallium, thank you Smellslike, it will depend on whether i can take it.