Toughen Up – Most People Don’t Need Novocaine to Get Fillings!
Okay, I’m really touchy on this subject, but not every cavity that has to be filled needs a Novocaine shot. It’s an added expense to your insurance (or worse, your pocketbook if you don’t have dental insurance) and bucks into your dentist’s pocket; and quite frankly is more physical and mental pain and suffering that may be totally unnecessary.
When talking to any other mom (or adult–male or female) I always compare it to an epidural anesthesia; many times it’s unnecessary that you can’t feel anything that you end up working much harder than physically necessary that when the pain killer stops–you’re in more prolonged pain! So, why not bare a bit of pain momentary and just enjoy the pleasures of birth happily without any anticipated added-pain from the epidural wearing off.
Okay, while that may be a bit exaggerated…Novocaine is clearly unnecessary IF the cavity is superficial and no where close to the nerve. AND, drilling the cavity is NOT painful at all, no matter what anyone wants to scare you into thinking. It has an unusual sound, there’s some “drilling” (fast-spiral-motions) taking place that feels unusual pressure but is NOT painful.
The thought of a shot is what’s most scary and the crazy-pointed electric tools that you can’t see cleaning your mouth when you’re awake that scares people to. So, while my girls still don’t know how babies come out…they know C-sections, I tell them the “natural” way is fun, hard-work, a bit painful and totally not worth the epidural. So, if mama can do that, you can get a filling without Novocaine.
When I explain the procedure exactly as shared above and ask them…“What you want a shot!?” “No…No!” is quickly screamed back at me.
I always explain that I’ll be there if they want me to be there, and the dentists have always stressed the “raise your hand” single if they feel anything such as close to the nerve…so this way they feel empowered to endure the rather quick, easy process.
Our awesome pediatric dentists have always talked the girls through the process, showed off all the tools, let them see the cements, talk about science and make everything SO cool…which we’ll miss Dr. Jay so badly as we leave this state. But, let me share one daughter had TOO many cavities to count and had fillings and caps at a young age, so she had to get gas and was sore afterwards. There was NO way around those two procedures…but, she hated dentists after that. So, this is what I did to combat kid dental fears.
Tips to combat kid’s fear of dentist
- Research pediatric dentists. Call insurance. Ask friends and family.
- Visit the dentist in person with your kid to make the appointment. It empowered my daughter to see the office and have a decision as to how she felt walking in, the staff, and even the pediatric dentist.
- Let your child tell you if they want you in the office or prefer to walk the hall alone. I thought she’d never go into an office alone again…but, surprisingly having found a dental office with cool games, guranteed gifts at the end, an awesome dentist who loves sharing new tools and gadgets as he adores the curiousity of homeschool kids, my daughter confidently enjoys her dental visits…Tip: It’s hard for me, because then my girls get all these personalized science and technology lessons without me. Fortunately, their last farewell visit Dr. Jay came to the waiting area so I can see my youngest one where his new magnifying new head gear and let me take pictures to capture the fun day.
- Don’t discount family dentist (who don’t specialize in kids but know how). Here we’ve been fortunate to find cool dental hygienists who are kid-friendly too.
- Share my stories and tips above. Empower them to take charge of their dental visits. My girls love going to the dentist and we’ve had our fair-share of bad visits–but, each bad visit gave us all learning lessons to improve upon.
- Healthy reward-offers. I actually think they enjoy the waiting areas well-equipped with video games, a jungle gym, gourmet coffee/hot chocolate and of course child-proof cold and water coolers that I always need them to pour my tea water because I find them so annoying (grin)…and now they had individual ceiling TVs for every dental chair. So, I told them they can’t get to “wait” or “watch” unless they get through their appointment first.
Rest assured I’ll be applying all the above in our new state. So, what are your dental woes? Did I shed some light to you and your kids’ dental fears? Do you have other tips to share? Please share below.
Disclosure: This post is part of a series sponsored by Glassman Dental, Cosmetic Dentist NYC and we received compensation to facilitate this post. We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). 
You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.
photo credit: abbybatchelder
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Category: Family
