Dental fear or anxiety is not uncommon. As a matter of fact, people from all over the world have it! A survey conducted by DentaVox found that 61% of the 18,000 people interviewed worldwide had some degree of fear of going to the dentist. However, this can be intensified if you were recently told you needed to have a tooth extraction. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems! Read on to learn four tips on how to ease your fear of getting a tooth removed.
Tip #1: Understand the Treatment
It’s natural to be scared of the unknown. That’s why knowledge is power! By taking the time to fully understand the necessary treatment, you can feel more relaxed about the tooth extraction. Your dentist is eager to answer all your questions so you will be completely informed about your upcoming procedure.
Tip #2: Know Why the Extraction Is Necessary
There are a wide range of reasons for needing a tooth extraction. These can include a severely damaged or infected tooth, advanced gum disease, and impacted wisdom teeth. The top priority of your dentist is preserving your oral health and removing a tooth is the last option to fulfill that commitment. By getting an explanation of why the extraction is necessary and beneficial to your smile, you can feel confident about your upcoming tooth removal.
Tip #3: Try Relaxation Techniques
It is perfectly normal to feel nervous about tooth extraction, even after understanding why the procedure is important for your oral health. By practicing certain relaxation techniques, you can ease your anxiety. One example is beginning breathing exercises where you inhale deeply, hold it, and then let the air out slowly. Your body will naturally calm down, slowing your heart and allowing your muscles to relax. There are also many meditation apps you can use to get you in a relaxed state.
Tip #4: Bring a Friend or Family Member
Remember the famous song “That’s What Friends Are For” by Stevie Wonder? There’s no better time for your trusted friends and family to help ease any emotional discomfort you are feeling. By having support around you, you can feel calm and comfortable as you are taking care of your oral health. It’s also helpful to have your loved ones at the procedure so they can help you after its complete, especially if you received local anesthetics.
With these helpful tips in mind, you can turn your fear into confidence as you are taking the steps to care for your smile. And, of course, your dentist is always there to help you through every step of the journey back to great oral health!
About the Practice
Texas Dental Surgery helps keep the smiles of Prosper whole and healthy through the expertise of its team of dentists. With a certified periodontist, oral surgeon, and maxillofacial surgeon on staff, these highly trained specialists can help you with any oral health issue. By using the latest dental technology and dental techniques, their goal is to keep your smile in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (469) 296-8680.