Filling for a five year old - will it be traumatic?

[MGMidget]

At my DD's latest dentist visit the dentist spotted suspicion of decay, confirmed by an X-ray so has recommended a filling. It is one of DD's milk teeth (a molar). I am worried she's going to be traumatised by it and it will create fear of the dentists in future. I just wondered if anyone had had DC have a filling at a similar age and how did the child react? The dentist has offered additional Nitrous Oxide (sedation with gas and oxygen) but its very expensive for what already seems like an expensive filling so I have said no to that! I am wondering though if I have done the right thing.

No, mine had to have one, I was super cheerful, they didn't feel a thing. No dentist issues as a result.

Took me longer to recover from the shame and devastation

I don't know about the gas though, we weren't offered it. His filling was very tiny so it was super fast.

I would prob read up on the gas and ask if you can change your mind if you think it would help.

I assume you’re not in the UK if you’re having to pay?
Might they just use filling putty to fill it?

We're in the UK using a private dentist. Yes, probably should have found an NHS one but up until now we've only had to pay for check ups and its a convenient location. In the coronavirus times not sure how many NHS dentists are open yet. I doubt the NHS would provide the extra gas anyway and might give her a metal filling instead of a white one? So happy to pay for the white filling just wondering if the gas to calm nervousness is advisable. Having had a couple of fillings myself I know that the injection of anaestetic is painful and then the dentist drill could be scary for a young child. I didn't have any fillings at the age of 5 and her old DS doesn't have any. Feeling like I have taken my eye off the ball a bit but at least it is only a milk tooth!

older DS not old DS!

Hi, my Dd (now 10) has a couple of fillings at about 5 - I can’t remember when exactly, they were white/cream and the dentist handled it so well. No pain and she’s not scared of going back now. Good luck!