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Step 1
Let the dentist know if there are any phobias regarding dental procedures. Many dentists offer types of sedatives to alleviate nervousness. Sometimes, a dentist will prescribe medication to prepare a patient if she has a serious phobia.
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Step 2
Ask any questions beforehand. Know when the appointment is, how long it will take, and if any medication is necessary. Sometimes ibuprofen can be taken beforehand to reduce inflammation and discomfort afterwards. Also ask if all medications should be avoided prior to the appointment. Aspirin and other blood thinners may not be acceptable to take prior to the appointment.
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Step 3
Know what type of filling is going to be done. There are two types, amalgam and composite. Amalgam are the classic silver fillings, while composites are made to match the color of the teeth. Composites take a little longer, due to the fact that the tooth has to be isolated in a special way for layering of the materials.
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Step 4
Get information on the cost. Find out up front how much it will cost out of pocket before going in to get the filling. Most offices will find out how much a patient will owe after their insurance pays their part before the appointment. Prepare for the cost to be higher if a composite filling is going to be done.
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Step 5
Find out if the filling is the only dental work being done. Sometimes, dentists will do dental work in more than one area. This saves the patient in office visit costs, but will result in more shots so that multiple areas can be worked on. Other fillings, crowns or preparations for crowns are just a few of the things that a dentist may plan on top of a single filling.
