The question "does the needle hurt at the dentist" is a common one, and for good reason. Getting a shot in the mouth can be a daunting experience, especially for children. The good news is that there are a number of things that can be done to minimize the pain, including using a topical anesthetic, numbing the area with a local anesthetic, and using a thin needle.
In most cases, the pain from a dental injection is minimal and lasts only a few seconds. However, there are some people who experience more pain than others. If you are concerned about pain, be sure to talk to your dentist beforehand. They can discuss your options and help you develop a plan to minimize the discomfort.