Preparing for a Tooth Extraction and Dealing with Anxiety
If you’re preparing to remove your wisdom tooth, chances are, you’re drowning in stress and anxiety. Despite being one of the most common dental procedures, even the calmest patients experience a certain amount of anxiety when getting ready for tooth extraction.
Today the advancement of tech tooth extractions is fast and mostly painless. Plus, there’s little to no aftercare necessary after the extraction. However, if you’re experiencing anxiety or stress because of a coming tooth extraction, it’s best to find an effective and practical way of coping with these tough feelings. Here’s how you can best prepare yourself for tooth extractions and reduce anxiety levels.
Confront Your Fear of Extraction
It’s completely normal to feel a certain amount of apprehension about visiting the dentist and getting a tooth extraction. From worrying about feeling pain to being afraid of empty space in your teeth, it’s likely you’re worried about a plethora of different things. Luckily, in the modern oral health world, it’s very rare for you to feel any pain during the extraction process.
Moreover, your dentist will ask you plenty of times how many sensations you feel after applying anesthetics. That way, they won’t start the process unless your mouth is numb. In case you’re experiencing discomfort or nausea, make a hand gesture to let your signal your doctor. Lastly, you may discuss reconstructive options once the area heals.
All in all, the best way to confront your fear of extraction is by preparing for it with information. Ask your doctor questions about the procedure to ensure you feel less out of control. With the help of this approach, you can easily lower your anxiety levels. Plus, finding out the rules and recommendations for aftercare is one more excellent way of reducing stress.
Use Relaxation Methods to Ease Anxiety
You can figure out your own way of dealing with anxiety to help ease yourself. You may try listening to music, meditating, writing in a journal, taking a walk, or taking a trustworthy family member or friend with you.
Typically, dentists understand how patients feel during and after the extraction and will be compassionate throughout the process.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Following the aftercare instructions closely can help speed up the healing process. Your dentist will tell you the best way to take care of your tooth and the area around it to avoid aches.
From taking painkillers to resting properly and rinsing your mouth, your dentist will tell you various different ways you can properly take care of the extraction area.
The Takeaway
Everyone has their own unique ways of coping with anxiety and figuring out yours can make dealing with tooth extraction stress a whole lot easier. From listening to soft music to writing in a journal, there’s an array of ways you can reduce your anxiety and stress levels. Our expert oral surgeons here at Oral and Facial Surgery Institute provide gentle treatments while prioritizing your mental health over oral treatment.