Easing Anxiety About Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures and also one of the most anxiety-producing. However, a dentist would not recommend this treatment if it were not necessary to protect your oral health. So, if you are nervous about an upcoming tooth extraction, understanding its reasons will help.

Reasons for tooth extraction

A dentist will usually try to save a tooth before considering extraction. However, in some cases, tooth extraction is the best course of action to reduce pain, prevent the spread of infection, or preserve the smile's alignment. For example, if there is not enough room for all of the teeth, a dentist may suggest tooth extraction before orthodontic treatment to relieve overcrowding. A severely damage tooth that a filling or crown cannot remedy may also be a candidate for extraction. In addition, a dentist may recommend the removal of a severely decayed tooth to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues.

Tips for easy anxiety

Knowing why a tooth needs extraction goes a long way in easing fears related to the procedure. The following are some easy-to-follow tips for relieving anxiety further.

Know what to expect

The dentist provides detailed before-and-after instructions for each procedure. These instructions will help the patient prepare for the procedure and know how to care for themselves afterward. They also discuss how the procedure will go, and a patient should question the dentist about anything that needs to be clarified so there are no surprises.

Concentrate on how it will improve oral health

The patient must focus on how the tooth extraction will help them. These procedures can involve temporary discomfort but, in the end, reduce dental pain. Furthermore, they can also prevent the spread of infection that can lead to further dental work. Also, losing a tooth does not need to be permanent. If a tooth extraction is necessary, tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dental implants, restore natural appearance and function.

Practice relaxation techniques

Several simple exercises and techniques can help a patient relax before the procedure. Deep breathing and relaxation activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which tells the anxious brain the body is safe, relieving the fight-or-flight response. This is why people notice themselves calming down when they stop and concentrate on taking several deep breaths.

Additional Suggestions

In addition to these tips, the following are some additional tips patients have found helpful.

• Avoid caffeine on the day of the procedure
• Bring a book to read before
• Listen to music or a podcast during the procedure
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Wear comfortable clothes to the procedure

It can also be helpful for the patient to ask their provider about any sedation options available. There are various levels of sedation that can be helpful, especially if a patient has high dental anxiety.