Ask a friend or a taxi service to set up a ride home, depending on what anesthetic will be used. Purchase soft, lukewarm foods that won’t aggravate your filling in the days immediately following your appointment. Arrange for time off of work to go to your appointment and recover. Note that it might be hard for you to talk normally for a few hours after you get your cavity filled. If your job requires that you speak publicly, you might want to take an extra few hours off. Consult with your physician about whether your medications might interact with your dental anesthetic.
An amalgam filling is made up of metals, is silver in color, is usually the cheaper option, is strong and flexible, and sometimes requires the removal of healthy tooth material. [4] X Research source Amalgam fillings are more common on the back teeth. [5] X Research source A composite filling is made up of a hardened resin, is often tooth-colored, is usually the more expensive option, is not quite as strong or long-lasting as an amalgam filling, and is a bit fussier to do correctly. [6] X Research source Composite fillings are more common on teeth that are in the front of the mouth and visible. [7] X Research source
Using water-based tools that minimize feelings of heat or vibration. Using oral or rub-on anesthetics before to provide pain relief before you receive a numbing shot. Having the option of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available. Creating a spa-like environment, with relaxing music, aromatherapy, and a calm space. Providing noise-canceling headphones so that you do not have to hear the noise of the drill. Knowing relaxation and hypnosis techniques to help guide your breathing to keep you calm. [17] X Research source Telling the patient what will happen so that the patient feels in control and safe.
Be sure that you arrange for a friend or a taxi driver to take you home after the procedure. It is not safe to drive after waking up from sedation. [19] X Research source
Prepare a soundtrack of your favorite relaxing music that you could listen to during the procedure. Memorize a poem or a mantra that you can recite mentally to keep yourself distracted. Use deep breathing techniques to minimize anxiety. It might be hard to do these with your mouth open, but some relaxing breathing techniques are still possible, such as breathing in through your nose for five seconds, holding for five seconds, and releasing for five seconds. [23] X Research source Ask if you could have your filling done in a room with a television or screen with distracting or relaxing images.
“Your tooth has an owie, and a filling will make it feel good and strong. You might feel very sleepy while you are getting the filling, but you will feel a lot healthier afterwards. " “A filling means that your tooth will be fixed. Sometimes people get scared, but dentists do this all the time, and you’ll get medicine so that you feel better. " Avoid words like “pain” or “hurt. "
Be especially careful about chewing or talking while you are still numb. You might accidentally bite your cheek or your tongue. Pay close attention to the health of your mouth, even if you cannot feel any pain at the moment.
For example, your dentist might recommend that you stay away from extremely hot, extremely cold, or sugary foods and drinks as you heal. You might also be asked to brush your teeth more often or to use special mouthwashes to keep your mouth clean as your filling sets. Follow all instructions carefully to make sure you don’t run into any complications.
