Categories: Tooth Extraction

How a Dentist Can Help Alleviate Anxiety Over a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction can be a frightening concept, especially for those who have never had a tooth removed before and are not sure what to expect or those who have had a bad experience with extraction in the past. However, there are various things you and your dentist or oral surgeon can do to help mentally prepare you for the extraction experience and make it less daunting and easier to deal with. Here are some things your dentist can do to help alleviate your anxiety.

Understanding the procedure

One of the simplest (and possibly most helpful) things is to get informed about the procedure. Understanding the process before going through with the procedure will take away the factor of the unknown, which is one of the major causes of anxiety in the first place. 

Knowing beforehand what you will be dealing with will help you feel a sense of control and empowerment over the situation because you will not be going in blind. Your dentist or oral surgeon should explain to you the whole procedure, including the before and after aspects. They should also give you the time and freedom to ask any questions you may have. They may also have online resources to offer you.

Your dentist should also clarify why they are recommending a tooth extraction instead of another procedure. This will help you be more confident about you and your dentist’s decision to do the extraction.

Why you may need a tooth removed

There are several reasons your dentist may choose to remove your tooth. Your tooth may be damaged beyond repair due to an abscess or extensive decay, making it necessary to remove the tooth to keep the decay from spreading to other parts of your mouth. 

An extraction may also be necessary if your tooth is broken below the gum line. Severe gum disease can weaken the bone structure and make your teeth come loose from your jawbone. If a root canal procedure is needed, it can often be better for your overall health to simply extract the tooth so that toxins and bacteria will not be circulating through your body.

Other considerations

It may also be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you to your tooth extraction appointment. While they will not be able to be with you during the procedure, it can help to know that someone is waiting for you and will be there to help you after the procedure is finished. This becomes even more important if you are going to undergo anesthesia for the procedure. You will need someone to take you to the pharmacy for aftercare supplies and drive you home.

One thing to keep in mind is that extractions are usually brief procedures and may even take less time than filling a cavity or placing a crown. The mouth also heals very quickly, with the recovery period for many extractions being only a few days. Also, remember that having a painful tooth extracted will end the pain you have endured.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ddsbaik.com or call Dennis Baik, DDS at (408) 676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in San Jose, CA.

Related Posts

Tooth Extraction: 5 Do's And Don'ts After Surgery

It can be little confusing and sometimes even overwhelming to figure out exactly how to take care of your mouth after a tooth extraction. In the past, there used to be a lot more pain involved after a tooth extraction, however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of less invasive techniques which results in…

Taking Care Of Your Mouth After A Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction can seem to be hard to recover from, but there are plenty of ways that a person can take care of their mouth after a tooth has been extracted.With the help of this article, we will discuss a few ways that someone can take care of their mouths after they’ve had a tooth…

Quick Guide To Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that few look forward to; however, it is often necessary in order to eliminate pain and crowding in the mouth. While many individuals are familiar with the procedure, there still may be some unknowns about the process and what to expect. Below is an overview of the wisdom tooth extraction…

Tips For Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare

A wisdom teeth extraction can be daunting for many; however, rest assured that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of tools that makes the procedure safe and efficient. Even so, a wisdom tooth extraction can make for a pretty lengthy and involved recovery process. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to make the…

Dennis Baik, DDS

Share
Published by
Dennis Baik, DDS

Recent Posts

Should My Child Wear a Mouth Guard While Playing Sports?

Find out if your child should be wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.

7 days ago

Sedation Dentistry: Relaxing in the Dentist’s Chair

Patients will take medications that will push them into a near unconscious or fully unconscious…

3 weeks ago

Preparing for a Missing Tooth Consultation

Consulting with a dentist about replacing a missing tooth is not much different than a…

1 month ago

Can Periodontics Help Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Deep cleanings are usually performed three to four times a year at the dental office.

2 months ago

Top Reasons to Consider Dental Veneers for Your Teeth

Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.

3 months ago

Options for TMJ Disorder Treatment

You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it.…

3 months ago