If you think you have cavities, it is important that you go to the dentist promptly; the sooner you undergo the treatment, the faster your recovery will be. However, many people are afraid of this doctor and do not seek proper treatment. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to deal with a filling.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Getting a Diagnosis
Step 1. Go to the dentist twice a year
Sometimes, cavities form without causing any obvious symptoms; it is important to undergo a regular check-up to prevent them from developing or to treat them early.
Step 2. Recognize the signs of tooth decay
If you feel pain, notice stains or blackening of your teeth, feel a hole or crack, or experience a new sensitivity to heat and cold, you may have tooth decay. Make an appointment as soon as possible to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Step 3. Define the appropriate treatment
If you are able to intervene promptly, it is likely that cavities can be treated with fluoride; if, on the other hand, it has worsened a lot, an extraction or devitalization may be necessary. However, your dentist is very likely to decide on a filling and may ask you to come back to the office a few days or weeks later to undergo the procedure.
Part 2 of 6: Schedule the Obturation Appointment
Step 1. Ask the right questions
Since you want to prepare for the filling, you need to know if the procedure takes a long time, if there are any restrictions immediately after the surgery, if you can or cannot take medications, if you have to be driven home, if there are any effects side you need to be aware of and how you should monitor the tooth. Getting all this information before filling allows you to prepare thoroughly at home. For example, you may need:
- Ask a friend or call a taxi to take you home, depending on the type of anesthetic you have been given.
- Get soft, lukewarm foods that do not aggravate the filling in the days immediately following the appointment.
- Arrange to stay home from work in order to heal well; keep in mind that you may have difficulty speaking normally in the hours following the surgery. If your job requires you to speak in public, you may need to take a few hours off.
- Check with your doctor to find out if any medications you are taking can interfere with dental anesthesia.
Step 2. Provide your medical history to the dentist
He needs to know if you have any chronic medical conditions, as well as your medical history, if you are taking medications, if you have allergies to certain medications and if you are pregnant. All of these details are essential in order to make the right decisions regarding the care for your tooth. Make sure you answer all questions correctly and honestly and inform your doctor of any important factors affecting your general health and oral health.
Step 3. Decide what kind of filling you want to use
Most people choose an amalgam or composite resin. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of dental reconstruction and the most appropriate solution depends on which tooth needs to be treated and the depth of the caries.
- The amalgam filling is made with a metal, is silver in color and generally represents the cheapest solution; it is strong, flexible and sometimes it is necessary to remove some healthy material from the tooth. Typically, it is used for posterior teeth.
- The composite filling is made with hardened resin, often has the same color as the tooth and is generally a more expensive option; it is not as strong and durable as amalgam and requires a little more meticulous work. This type of filling is more common for the anterior teeth, which are more visible.
Step 4. Make an appointment as soon as possible
You don't have to wait for the tooth to get injured or the pain to increase; have it repaired immediately after getting the diagnosis.
Step 5. If you are quite nervous, ask to make an appointment in the morning
Anxious patients react best when they don't have to wait and "hang around" all day while waiting for the procedure. If you are afraid of the dentist or have some phobia, make an appointment early in the morning.
Part 3 of 6: Considering the Economic Aspect
Step 1. Research the cost of fillings
They can vary a bit, based on several factors, such as the location, the professional performing the procedure, the type of material used, and whether or not you can take out private health insurance. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around 80-160 euros for an amalgam filling and around 100-200 euros for a composite resin filling.
Step 2. Check your insurance policy thoroughly
If you have private health insurance, always double check to know exactly what it covers, even if you have already been reimbursed for dental work in the past. Sometimes, there are limitations on the type of material used (some insurance plans recognize for example amalgam, but not composite resin). Make sure that the dentist uses the material required by your insurance coverage, so that you do not end up with surprises and have to incur extra expenses; however, be prepared for the possibility of having to contribute a fee.
Step 3. Look for "low cost" dental surgeries
If you don't have health insurance, you have to pay for the procedure out of your own pocket. However, you can contact the National Health Service and find public or affiliated dentists for which the payment of the ticket only and which are decidedly cheaper than private dentists. Alternatively, there are "low cost" dental centers - usually franchise chains - that offer promotions or have low prices.
Part 4 of 6: Overcoming the Fears
Step 1. Face your fears regarding the dentist
If you are really scared of getting dental treatment, know that you are not alone; at least 5% of the population avoids the dentist because they are afraid, but a greater percentage are anxious about going to their clinic. While it is important for your health to visit your dentist regularly, you shouldn't feel embarrassed by being afraid of it; try to overcome it instead.
Step 2. Identify the underlying cause of your fear
Some people are uncomfortable with the appearance of their teeth, others are afraid of pain, still others have a phobia of needles, while there are also people who cannot stand the noise of the drill. Try to find the source of anxiety to minimize it during the appointment; many of these phobias can be alleviated through the use of new technologies, good dialogue with the doctor, relaxation techniques and alternative medications.
Step 3. Find a dentist who cares about people with anxiety
Many dentists have studied to properly treat patients who suffer from anxiety and who are afraid when they go to their clinic; don't hesitate to ask your doctor directly if he can handle fearful people. It may take a few tries before you find one that meets your needs, but you can find a suitable one by making a few phone calls, thanks to the advice of friends or even through the internet - there is definitely one that can help you. Here are some techniques she can use to relieve anxiety in agitated patients:
- Use water-based tools to minimize the sensation of heat or vibration;
- Use a preventive oral or topical anesthetic for pain relief before administering the one with the needle;
- Make nitric oxide (laughing gas) available;
- Create a spa-like atmosphere, with soothing music, aromatherapy and a quiet space;
- Provide earphones to hide the noises so as not to hear that of the drill;
- Know the techniques of relaxation and hypnosis to guide the patient's breathing and calm him;
- Inform the patient of the actions he is about to take to give him the feeling of being in control and make him feel safe.
Step 4. Find a dentist who uses sedation
If you have a paralyzing fear when you go to his office, you should seek out a professional who offers the option of sedating you during the filling. This solution involves other additional risks and not all dentists implement it; however, many doctors now practice it to calm frightened patients.
Arrange for a friend or a taxi to take you home at the end of the treatment; it is not safe to drive when waking up from anesthesia
Step 5. Don't think about relieving anxiety with do-it-yourself solutions
You may be tempted to take relaxing substances, such as anxiolytics, or to drink alcohol, but you shouldn't ingest anything that could negatively interact with the anesthetic. Always talk to your dentist before the procedure to find appropriate methods to reduce the anxiety that accompanies these situations.
Step 6. Remind yourself that dentistry has improved in recent years compared to the past
Some people are afraid because they have had bad experiences, but nowadays dentists have better techniques and a good approach to patients; the anesthetic is much more effective, the drill is quieter and new technologies are used that help the patient feel comfortable. Try to be open-minded towards the dentist and ask him for every detail about the tools he uses.
Step 7. Practice relaxation techniques during the procedure
Distracting yourself is the best way to stay calm while the dentist works in your mouth. There are several methods that you can use and that you can evaluate with your doctor; for instance:
- Prepare a playlist of your favorite relaxing songs that you can listen to during the surgery.
- Memorize a poem or mantra to mentally recite to distract attention from what's going on around you.
- Practice deep breathing techniques to reduce anxiety to a minimum. It may be difficult to perform some of these methods while your mouth is open, but some can, for example, inhale through the nose for five seconds, hold the breath for another five, and then exhale for the same duration.
- Ask if you can have the surgery in a room with a television or screen with relaxing or distracting images.
Step 8. Ask if you can have a friend in the doctor's office with you
The presence of a friend or family member can calm you down if you have trouble staying in the dentist's chair. Ask your doctor if the fact that there is a loved one in the room to reassure you and reassure you during the procedure could create any problems.
Part 5 of 6: Preparing your Child for the Obturation
Step 1. Stay calm
Your child sees you as a guide when facing dental surgery; if you want him not to be afraid, you need to remain calm, positive and cheerful.
Step 2. Determine whether or not she needs a filling
If you have cavities on a baby tooth that will soon fall out, it may not be worth having this surgery; However, if it still takes several years for it to fall out or if it is already a definitive tooth, then it is necessary to proceed.
Step 3. Talk to your dentist about administering an anesthetic, especially if there are several cavities to treat
Some children react better when all necessary fillings are done at once; others, on the other hand, want to make various appointments to "dilute" the interventions on several occasions. Discuss with your doctor the different pediatric pain relievers or sedatives to administer during the meetings, so you can find the best solution for your child. Generally, the most suitable options are laughing gas, an oral sedative, or the same type of local anesthetic that you would use for your own filling.
Step 4. Use simple words to describe the procedure to the child
You have to be honest when you explain what awaits him, but speak in plain language and don't use words that might scare him when you describe what will happen. For example, you could tell him:
- "Your tooth has a hole and needs to be filled, so it comes back strong and healthy; you may feel very sleepy when the dentist closes it, but in the end you will feel much better."
- "A filling means that the tooth needs to be fixed. Some people are afraid, but the dentist always does this job and will give you the right medicine to make you feel better."
- Don't use words like "pain" or "hurt".
Step 5. Prepare your baby for a little tingling in his mouth
Some children feel anxious about the feeling of numbness due to the oral anesthetic; Sometimes, they can behave dangerously when their mouth is anesthetized, for example they may bite their lip, pinch their gums or scratch their mouths. Monitor your child closely to make sure he is behaving safely, tell him that the feelings he is experiencing are completely normal and will soon pass.
Step 6. Be present during the procedure
Having a loved one around you can be a great comfort to those who are nervous or scared.
Step 7. Let the baby be in control
Allow him to wear whatever he wants on the date. If the dentist allows him to keep a toy, have him choose which one to bring; this helps him to be in control of the situation and reduce any fears.
Step 8. Plan to do something fun after the filling is complete
Tell the child that you have a special surprise in store for when they recover from the procedure. You can decide to take him to the cinema, offer him an ice cream or take him to the zoo; talk to him about the reward before you go to the surgery, so he knows there is something good waiting for him for his courage.
Part 6 of 6: Take Care of Yourself at the End of the Procedure
Step 1. Know what to expect right after your appointment
Depending on the type of anesthetic used, you may experience various feelings of numbness at the end of the procedure; in the hours immediately following you may feel numbness, tingling and pain. You may also have difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing for a few hours; although these are bizarre sensations, know that they are completely normal.
You need to be especially careful when chewing or talking while feeling numb, as you may accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. Be especially careful about the health of your mouth, even if you don't feel any pain at the moment
Step 2. Monitor the filling closely
Some pain and tenderness are completely normal for a few days; however, if you continue to feel discomfort when biting or chewing, it means the material is a little too much and needs to be filed down to provide you with more comfort when eating. Contact your dentist to return to the clinic and quickly fix the filling.
Step 3. Follow your doctor's recommendations
He will likely want to see you again for a checkup a few days or weeks later to make sure everything is going smoothly. Go to the appointment and follow his directions regarding nutrition, medications and oral hygiene.
For example, she may recommend that you avoid foods that are too hot or too cold, as well as not to eat or drink sugary substances until you recover. He may also ask you to brush your teeth more often or use a special mouthwash to keep your mouth clean as the filling settles. Follow his instructions scrupulously so as not to risk complications
Step 4. Pay attention to the warning signs
Although it is rare for complications to arise from a dental filling, sometimes it can happen. Watch for signs such as bleeding, wheezing, excessive pain, fever, infection, and swelling. call your dentist immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Step 5. Go to the dentist twice a year
He is able to monitor the filling, make sure that it remains intact and that it does its job correctly; Sometimes, the fills need to be replaced and you need to promptly detect any problems. Respect the appointments in order to always keep the health of the oral cavity under control and to promptly assess if a possible replacement of the material is necessary.
Advice
- Try brushing your teeth more often than usual to develop a good routine that protects them from future cavities.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash for better oral hygiene.
- Avoid sugary and acidic drinks, such as sodas and sweetened fruit juices.
- Get in touch with a good local dentist who has excellent communication skills and who can offer you a routine of dental care without anxiety or stress.
Warnings
- Don't neglect to brush your teeth, otherwise you could cause tooth decay and other complications.
- Make sure the dentist is licensed to practice and avoid any "holistic" dentist; if you have cavities, you need a filling: there are no effective alternatives to treat this type of problem.
