Any alternatives - my 4 year old needs a filling?

[messagetoyourudy]

On our visit to the dentist today, the dentist says my son has a small cavity in his molar and has recommended a filling as he will have this tooth until he is 12.

I am very reluctant, even though she says it can possibly be done without an injection. I just feel it could really put him off the dentist and if it is not causing him any problems why fill?

There seems to be some thought that filling milk teeth is not necessary and that fluoride paste instead may be useful to help slow down the cavity growth.

Has anyone not had a filling for their child and what problems if any followed?

[smearedinfood]

Try contacting, www.dentalhealth.org/dental-helpline they maybe able to help

[EldonAve]

mine had a filling
no injection
I would be interested to hear about the paste though

[MayDayChild]

There are 2 dental posts tonight for 4 yr olds. Frightened me half to death as DD wouldnt let the dentist even count them let alone look! What if we're missing something?
Hope it goes ok xx

[mercibucket]

we had a filling done for my son and it's been no end of trouble since (pian, recurrent infection) so I can understand the reluctance! our new dentist is reluctant to fill and said that they can hide infections and further decay under the filling.
the filling is not like adult fillings though - no pain, no injection, no drilling

we now use flouride paste which the dentist paints on, and super strength toothpaste that we put on the teeth that look ropey