Anesthetics

Q. I hate to be numb for fillings. Is there another way?

A. No one likes the numb feeling, but most people prefer numbness to pain. If the cavity is small, you may be able 
to do it without Novocain. Also, air abrasion, which does not use a drill, can sometimes be used for smaller cavities 
without Novocain.

Q. Novocain makes my heart pound when I get it. Are there other types of Novocain?

A. The heart pounding is an annoying but temporary effect of a chemical in the local anesthetic that helps it work 
better. If it is a problem for you, there are local anesthetics that do not have that chemical. Often those don't last as 
long, so for a longer procedure, the numbness might not last long enough, requiring re-injection of additional local 
anesthesia. Ask your dentist what would be best for you.