Dentists often focus on preserving your natural tooth. However, there are some instances where extraction may be necessary. This can be due to overcrowding, decay, or gum disease. Wisdom teeth are also commonly extracted if they are impacted or do not fit in your mouth. Some people may have anxiety about an extraction. Below you will find the top 5 tips for stress-free tooth extraction.
5 Tips for Stress-Free Tooth Extraction
If you have some anxiety about your extraction, consider the following tips to reduce your stress.
Ask Questions
Understanding the process can help you get through an extraction stress-free. Before your appointment, ask your Burbank dentist any questions that you have. It is important to eliminate any doubts or fears that you may have in advance. Before tooth extractions in Burbank, you will usually have an appointment or consultation. Make sure you ask questions at this appointment so you can make an informed decision.
Common topics patients inquire about include the benefits of treatment, alternative treatment options, and how the appointment will go. Additionally, you may ask about how to prepare, what to expect, and what the recovery process looks like. There is likely no question your dentist hasn’t heard, so feel free to ask anything.
Share Your Medical History
Even though you are at the dentist, it is important to share your medical history. Your medical history can impact your dental health, so it is critical to be transparent with your dentist. This includes things like previous surgeries or similar treatments you have had in the past. You also need to share your current medications, including prescriptions, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Certain medications can impact the healing process and may need to be stopped before your extraction. Discussing your medical history and medications ensure that your dentist can take a comprehensive approach. This is critical when it comes to your dental care, as it can impact your overall health.
Discuss Anesthesia
Depending on the type of extraction, there are different options for anesthesia. Simple extractions may only require local anesthesia. However, surgical extractions may require more anesthesia. This will be discussed with your dentist in advance.
If you have stress or anxiety about your extraction, talk with your dentist about it before your extraction. Oftentimes there are sedation options to help you get through the appointment with ease. Your comfort and safety are of optimal importance. Because of this, your dentist will work closely with you on what anesthetic and sedation options are right for you.
Prepare Food In Advance
Post-extraction, you may experience some discomfort and swelling; it is important to effectively manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of infection. Eating foods that won’t exacerbate your symptoms is key. Focus on foods that are soft and easy to consume. This includes things like applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup, pudding, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. As you begin to heal, you can introduce other foods.
Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or grainy. These foods can easily get lodged into the extraction site. This can cause complications and increase your risk of infection. Optimal healing requires minimal strain on the extraction site. What you consume can be helpful in ensuring there are no complications post-extraction.
Manage Your Symptoms
After your extraction, you will experience some discomfort and inflammation. This is completely normal and should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter medication is effective in pain management. In addition, a cold compress can be used on the side of your cheek where the extraction was. Use a towel in between to ensure optimal comfort. If any of your symptoms persist beyond the first week, contact your dentist.