Even if your child is comfortable at dental checkups, getting a filling for the first time can be scary — and if they don’t like the dentist, the prospect may seem even worse. To help your kid get through a new dental procedure, you should begin preparing in advance. PdC Dentistry, S.C. in Prairie Du Chien, WI, recommends four ways to help your child before their visit to a family dentist.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Tooth Filling

1. Be Calm

If you have any fear or anxiety about dental procedures or medical issues, it's easy for that to pass to your children. Project a sense of calm when you explain the procedure. If one parent tends to have less anxiety about dental visits than the other, they should be the one to talk to your child about getting a filling.

2. Tell Them What to Expect

This should be a simple, age-appropriate explanation. For small children, you might explain that their teeth are sick and the doctor is going to remove the germs. Older children may need a more precise explanation, but you should still try to explain it to them in a way that isn’t frightening.

3. Avoid Scary Language

Be careful what words you choose when explaining fillings to your child. If you choose to read them a book about the process, scan it for scary language. Words like “drill,” “hurt,” “cut,” and “shot,” can usually be avoided by substituting less frightening ones, like “get rid of” and “medicine.”

4. Request Sedation

If you're concerned about your child keeping calm and still, nitrous oxide might be the solution. Talk with your dentist about what will be used during the procedure, and see if sedation is a viable option for your little one.

With calm, patience, and planning, you can help your child cope with a tooth filling for the first time. For more advice on how to prepare them or to schedule a visit, call PdC Dentistry, S.C. at (608) 326-8458. Visit their website to learn more.