Kid Need A Dental Filling? Know What To Expect
Posted on: 1 October 2018
If you've been told that your kid needs their first cavity filled, you may be wondering how it will work for them at such a young age. When it comes to having a cavity filled, here is what you can expect to happen.
The Dentist Will Use Anesthesia
Getting a cavity filled can be nerve-wracking for a kid, especially because they have no expectations about what it is going to feel like. Know that the dentist will use anesthesia for the procedure. There may be exceptions to this, such as if it is an incredibly tiny cavity that needs to be filled that requires the bare minimal amount of drilling, so be sure to check with your dentist about what anesthesia method they will use.
A dentist may recommend using nitrous oxide to help calm the nerves of a kid, which has been determined to be safe to use on children according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This is ideal when a kid has a huge dental phobia and needs help calming down for the procedure. If the kid is not nervous, the dentist may just use novocaine in order to numb the area of the mouth that they will be working on.
You'll Need To Wait In The Waiting Room
While it is your kid's first cavity, realize that it is not common to allow the parents into the dental office to directly observe the procedure. In fact, it is better to sit out in the waiting room during it so that the dentist can focus on doing their job. However, if you insist on being in the room, make sure to ask your dentist beforehand to find out if it is allowed. They may have strict rules about who is and is not allowed in the room during a dental procedure.
The Anesthesia Has No Lasting Effects
Be aware that the anesthesia used should not have any lasting effects, and your kid will be able to leave the dentist office right after the procedure is finished. Nitrous oxide wears off very quickly after it is no longer administered, and novocaine will just leave the area feeling numb until it wears off after a little while. Your kid will be fully conscious and aware of what is happening by the time that they leave the office.
Still have questions about your kid's first cavity? Be sure to ask your dentist for more information about tooth fillings.
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