Does your son or daughter have a cavity? Whether it is their first one, or they have had a few, kids are often afraid of getting dental fillings. It is not strange for a child to be afraid of the dentist, especially when approaching a filling treatment. At All Pro Dental in Chicago, we want to make kids feel comfortable at the dentist. We find that for many kids, understanding what is happening when they get dental work done can help them stay calm and can even help them feel less afraid. If your son or daughter is about to get a filling and they are want to know what to expect, we have written this guide for them.
First, it is important to note that dental fillings are relatively simple procedures, and your dentist has likely done hundreds of them. They are common, and in some cases, they can be hard to avoid for some kids. The first step in a cavity filling is to desensitize the mouth. Most dentists will start this process with a numbing gelly. The gelly is rubbed on the gum line to numb this area for the injection. Once the gum area is numb an injectable anesthetic is injected into the gums. This anesthetic will fully numb the mouth for the duration of the procedure. Some dentists also provide nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) which can calm down a patient.
Some dentists will apply a rubber sheet that allows them to easily focus on the tooth they are working on and prevent liquid from moving around in the mouth. This process makes it easier for the dentist to focus on treating the cavity and can also avoid any debris from going down the patient’s throat.
A cavity is a form of tooth decay. Your dentist will use a drill, laser, or air abrasion tool to remove the decayed part of your tooth. Because of the numbing agent, you will likely not feel or notice this at all. Once the decay has been removed from the tooth, the dentist will carefully clean the area before preparing to fill the hole left behind.
After removing the decayed portion of the tooth, there is now a gap left in the tooth that needs to be filled. The hole will be filled with one of a variety of materials including resin, ceramics, or another material. The filled area can prevent future decay and protect your teeth long term. After filling the cavity, your dentist will file down the filling to make sure that it won’t interfere with your bite. After this is completed, your mouth may stay numb for a few hours after the initial appointment. It is recommended to avoid hot or cold meals and to avoid chewing on the tooth that was filled for at least a day after the procedure.
If you have other questions about any dental procedure, or your son/daughter needs a dental appointment, please contact All Star Dental. Our team of dentists across five different locations would be happy to discuss our practice and our services in greater detail.
