Many people experience anxiety when it comes to their dental care, especially when it comes to tooth extractions. If you’re feeling nervous about a procedure, these simple strategies can help you feel more informed and alleviate your fears.
Tip 1: Talk to Your Oral Surgeon
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already explored various online resources to educate yourself about the procedure. However, having a conversation with the oral surgeon who will perform your extraction could make all the difference. Share your feelings and concerns about any anxiety you may be experiencing. Your oral surgeon has helped thousands of patients in similar situations. They can walk you through the procedure, answer your questions, and even discuss sedation options to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Often, uncertainty is what causes fear, and addressing your concerns will help alleviate that fear more effectively than anything else.
Tip 2: Talk to Friends & Family
Have you ever faced something intimidating only to find out it wasn’t so bad? Someone in your circle has likely had a tooth removed in the past decade. Reach out to your friends and family to share their experiences. Discussing your feelings with a loved one can help ease any negativity you might feel. You’ll probably discover that their experiences were relatively uneventful, and their stories reassuring, giving you the confidence to face the surgery.
Tip 3: Have a Plan
If you have an extraction coming up, creating a detailed schedule for your day can help reduce uncertainty and make the experience easier to manage. Consider questions such as: What time will you leave for your appointment? What will you eat afterwards? If sedation is used, do you have someone lined up to help take care of you? Do you have a favorite show lined up to binge-watch during your recovery? Planning these details in advance allows you to take control of the situation.
Additionally, ensuring your fridge is well stocked with recommended soft foods will give you one less thing to worry about after the procedure. You can simply come home, change into comfortable clothes, and focus on relaxing.
About the Practice
At Conestoga Oral Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons have proudly served the Lancaster community for over 40 years. In addition to placing dental implants, we offer tooth extraction services, including sedation options to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for our patients.
Has your dentist recommended that you have a tooth removed? Are you experiencing severe tooth pain or discomfort? To schedule an appointment at our Lancaster, Hershey, or Lititz location, click here or call (717) 394-3033.