Talk to your dentist in advance to make sure wearing headphones, especially a bulkier set, won’t interfere with their work. Make sure that the volume is not too high so that you will still be able to hear the dentist’s instructions for you.
The sound of the drill turbine can provoke anxiety in some people, so try to avoid hearing it if possible.
Pediatric dentists are also more experienced at calming down children and their offices are decorated in a way that is meant to create a fun place for children.
If you do stay in the room during the filling, stay in a place where the child knows you’re present but can’t see your face. They’ll respond to even subtle faces you might make and could become anxious or move around. Keep a calm, pleasant expression on your face and say reassuring things. If you aren’t in the room, stay in the waiting room. Don’t leave to run errands in case you are needed for anything. If you’re not in the room and are worried, the office’s staff will keep you informed about what’s going on with the procedure. Ask them for an update if you’re concerned.
Try explaining that one of their teeth has a cold or is sick, and that the dentist is going to make it feel better. Use positive reinforcement to remind a young child how great of a job they’re doing, that you’re very proud of them, and that going to the dentist is part of growing up that they should take pride in. Promising a reward after may also help, so you might remind your child of this if you are allowed to be in the room during the procedure.
If you have a dentist you can trust, it will go a long way toward alleviating the anxiety you feel. [12] X Research source Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020. Verify their qualifications by calling the office and asking about their degrees and licensing. Some dentists hang televisions or posters from ceilings, play music, or use other means to distract patients during procedures. [13] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source If the TV is 3D capable, then you can wear 3D glasses during the procedure. If you or your child experiences significant fear of the dentist, consider calling offices and asking what distraction methods they use.
General anesthetic is rarely used for fillings, but is sometimes administered in cases of severe fear or anxious of dental procedures. You’re not able to drive after general anesthesia, so make sure to set up a ride if necessary. Also, take into account the side effects, which usually include dizziness. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a common dental sedative. Unlike general anesthesia, you’re allowed to eat prior to being administered nitrous oxide Oral sedatives, or sleeping pills like Halcion and Valium, are becoming more commonly administered in dental-phobic patients. If your dentist is trained to offer these medications, make sure you understand when and how much to take, and set up rides to and from the appointment. [15] X Research source
Knowing that a filling isn’t the most intense dental procedure to fix cavities can help you face your fear and relax. Even if a cavity does require a crown or root canal, these are tried and true procedures that will help you feel better in the long run. If you need to have a big procedure done, try making an appointment for a routine cleaning first. That way, you can get to know your dentist and build a relationship with them. [17] X Research source Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020. Know that lots of people are afraid of the dentist, but it’s important to get your teeth taken care of in order to maintain your overall health. Ignoring a cavity can lead to infections that can make you very sick, representing a threatening danger for your overall health.
Amalgam fillings are stronger, and usually the best option for kids. Composite fillings are usually more expensive and don’t last as long, but are the same color as natural teeth. [18] X Research source You will need to get these checked annually to ensure that the margins are intact and there is nothing getting into the area beneath them. You might read about how amalgam fillings contain a small amount of mercury, but you shouldn’t be worried. When it’s combined with other metals, mercury isn’t harmful unless you have an allergy. Amalgam fillings have also been around a long time, so there’s plenty of evidence to show that there are no long-term harmful effects. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
Do your best to know what you’re afraid of and why. Know yourself and if you’re generally more or less comfortable when you know all the details about something scary. In addition, ask your dentist about any maintenance for your fillings. Typically, every 6 months when you come in for your filling, your dentist will give you an X-ray to make sure the filling isn’t loose or broken, and that there isn’t any decay recurring under the filling. [21] X Research source Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.
