Tooth Extractions Sound Scary; How Can I Feel Less Nervous?

One of the primary objectives of dentistry is to prevent tooth loss, but removing a compromised tooth is sometimes necessary to preserve the health of the rest of the smile. Tooth extractions are common procedures that can be performed for a variety of reasons, and you can rest assured that receiving this treatment is in your best interest if your dentist recommends it. Here’s what you should know about the tooth extraction process to help you feel a little more comfortable about the procedure.

Tooth Extractions Are Painless

Your dentist will only perform a tooth extraction after administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain. However, some patients may have anxiety or other concerns that make it difficult for them to remain calm and still during a dental procedure, so your dentist may also recommend a safe and effective sedation treatment.

Oral conscious sedation involves your dentist prescribing a pill to be taken before the procedure to induce a sense of calm, and it may even reduce your ability to remember the details of the treatment. IV sedation, on the other hand, is administered directly into a vein to induce an even deeper sense of relaxation. These treatments will require you to arrange for a trusted individual to give you a ride home after the procedure and monitor you for several hours afterward.

How Can I Reduce My Anxiety About Tooth Extraction?

There are also a few excellent ways to reduce your anxiety in the days before your tooth extraction. Some of these include:

• Listening to music: Many people find that enjoying a few favorite tunes in the days leading up to their procedure can help reduce anxiety.
• Using a fidget toy: Some find that tinkering with a stress ball or a similar device can help them work out some of the tension caused by pre-extraction anxiety.
• Bringing a trusted individual: Having a friend or family member waiting for you in the office during your procedure can help you feel secure and confident about the process. This can be especially easy since you may need to have someone to drive you home afterward anyway.
• Understand your dentist’s postoperative instructions: Knowing what you’ll need to do after your tooth extraction can reduce your anxiety by giving you a sense of control over the situation.

Neglecting to receive an emergency tooth extraction can lead to other teeth being lost, chronic pain, and possibly dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. Knowing how the process works and taking a few measures to reduce your anxiety can help you remain comfortable before your procedure.

About the Author

Dr. Cline earned his dental degree at Creighton University in Omaha and completed advanced training in General Dentistry at ISU in Pocatello. He has completed more than 70 hours of continuing education and has an IV sedation certificate from the state of Idaho. His office in Idaho Falls offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry such as tooth extractions. To learn more about the extraction process, contact the office online or dial (208) 487-5987.