If you’ve recently been scheduled to have an emergency tooth extraction, it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous. In fact, over 58 percent of people report anxiety when faced with oral surgery. However, the good news is that not only are these procedures very safe, but there’s plenty you can do to stay calm and comfortable during treatment. Here are six helpful tips and tricks you can try to alleviate some of that anxiety so you can restore your healthy, pain-free smile without fear!
Have a Heart to Heart
Sometimes nothing beats a good old-fashioned conversation. If you’re feeling apprehensive about your upcoming tooth extraction, don’t keep it bottled up. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about your fears. Whether they’ve been down this road themselves or not, sometimes just saying your problem out loud or having someone else validate your anxiety can make it seem a lot less scary.
Practice Deep Breathing Techniques
Breathing exercises are a time-honored relaxation technique that can both calm you down and distract you from your surroundings or problems. They also require no training or investment. Simply think about a peaceful place, a positive memory, or a comfort object, and take plenty of deep, relaxing breaths until your procedure is complete.
Using a Comfort Object
Whether it’s your trusted old teddy bear, one of those trendy squishy toys, or another object that feels soothing to hold or squeeze, indulging your sensory side can help calm you down and distract you from your dental procedure. Thus, don’t be afraid to bring along something small to hold in your hands during treatment and it’ll be over before you know it!
Listen to the Music (or True Crime Podcast!)
Whether you stream music, podcasts, or even videogame demos, movies, or shows, today’s smartphones can entertain like never before. Be sure to pack your earbuds or headphones of choice so you won’t distract other patients and test out the volume with your dentist before the procedure begins, so you can focus on the show and not what’s happening in your mouth!
Bringing a Friend
While your tooth extraction may not exactly be the social event of the season, if you need to bring along a trusted friend or family member to stay by your side or hold your hand during your procedure, your dentist likely won’t mind. Just be sure to clear it with them first and ensure that whomever you choose is mature enough to sit quietly and out of the way for everyone’s safety.
I Wanna Be Sedated
Your dentist offers several different sedation options to help you relax and remain comfortable during any dental procedure. Most patients can receive nitrous oxide, but for more intense anxiety, may benefit from oral conscious or IV sedation. If you would like to try using a sedative, please let your dentist know before your upcoming appointment, as they will need to make arrangements for this treatment in advance.
Remember, although it’s totally normal to be nervous or afraid of having an emergency tooth extraction near me, the good news is there are plenty of ways to help you stay calm and comfortable during your procedure. Whether you bring along a squishy toy, your BFF, or you choose to try dental sedation, let your dentist know if you need any additional assistance to make your extraction a more positive experience overall!
About Dr. Pevzner
Dr. Yonatan Pevzner earned his dental doctorate at SUNY Buffalo Dental School in 2019 and has already amassed over 500 hours of continuing education courses in topics like oral surgery, dental implants, endodontics, and wisdom tooth removal. He is also proudly licensed to provide all forms of dental sedation. To schedule a tooth extraction at Highland West Dental Care, visit our website or call us today at 512-451-4412.