So far for dental work anesthetics have always taken for me (or I've been knocked out, like when my wisdom teeth were pulled). I only brought it up because the foot happens to be another particularly sensitive area of the body. It's possible to get by without anesthetics, and you may (though I hope no one here ever has to find out) surprise yourself by how much you can tolerate while still remaining still for the procedure.

But in general, I think you're correct that dental work is harder. A bunch of stitches on the bottom of your foot, however, is still some sort of torture. The ones I've had on my head or arms or torso with other non-functioning anesthetics were far easier to take.