Should I let my daughter watch me get a filling?

Question:

My 8 year old daughter has several large cavities which will need filled. However, she has never been to the dentist before and is terrified about going - I've managed to make her an appointment for Thursday as she is in significant pain from one of the teeth. I've tried everything I can to try to calm her down but she's still extremely scared and upset, and has been crying all day about going. I'm at my wits end to know what to do for the best..my final suggestion is that I let her watch me get a filling done (I have a couple of cavities which need filled) in the hope that she will see that it doesn't hurt.any suggestions? Would this scare her more? I just don't know what to do, she's absolutely terrified, but she's in pain so I know the cavities need to be addressed.

Answers:
As long as you stay calm it should be a good teaching tool to show her you aren't scared. Also ask your dentist to talk with her and answer any questions she has. You could also search for a dentist that specializes in pediatric care or catering to those scared, some dentists (mine) won't do scared children so they don't develop a fear of him, he sends them out to a dentist he recommends for your first filling and then you come back to him for regular care and subsequent fillings after you see it isn't so bad.

Other Answers:
depends on how high ur pain threshold is
if u are gonna look like ur in pain
dont but if u can handle a lot of pain
u might as well

take her to the dentist and say ur getting a filling, then ask her if she wants to sit in the cool chair, then gas her with laughing gas, and get the fillings done

bit drastic but if nothing else works

anyway are you going to get gassed, injected or no pain relief?

I'm a dentist.

I hate to burst your bubble here, but did you consider the possibility that your dentist won't allow it?

I generally do not like additional people in the room when working unless there is a very good reason for it. Your dentist may be the same. of course you should let her see you, so she realizes it's not a big deal. i'm a dentist and allow it all the time. it's like show and tell in school.

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Should I let my daughter watch me get a filling?

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