by 
maggen
ANSWERS: 1
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Dentists often use local anesthetic to numb the part of the mouth where they work (and sometimes nearby parts like tongue, lip, cheek, or jaw) for a few hours. Yes, they use a fine needle (I always just close my eyes, but I know it's very thin). BEFORE they do the needle, they swab your gum with a local anesthetic. So when the needle goes in, I don't actually feel a sharp or needle sensation. However there can be some intense burning sensation for a couple of seconds. Just when you start thinking WTF, it's over! The dentist KNOWS that people are totally freaked by this. When I was a kid my dentist didn't use local to drill my fillings, and it hurt. I'd way rather have the local. Dentists are starting to use lasers in place of some drilling, which MIGHT be less painful and avoid the need for local -- ask about it.
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