7 Simple Tips to Make Dental Extractions Stress-Free
Most kids would get excited when their teeth start to wiggle. Their excitement is because of two things. First, they will be getting their big kid teeth soon. Second, a loose tooth means a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Adults, on the other hand, dread the wiggle.
Some grownups have trouble going to the dentist because of anxiety. Others put it off because of their packed schedule, while the rest don’t like to get an extraction because it may leave an unsightly gap in their teeth.
It’s true. Dental extractions can become quite stressful. But here are a few tips that can help you get a hassle-free extraction experience.
Meet With Your Dentist
When you’re experiencing toothaches or feel that one of your teeth is becoming loose, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist. You may be tempted to delay it, but you shouldn’t. Get a dental exam as soon as you can.
Complete the Questionnaire
Make sure to answer the medical history questionnaire as best as you can while waiting for your turn to see your dentist. The questionnaire will inform your dental team about your current medical condition. It will also alert them if you have medical conditions that make you susceptible to infection or take any medications that will react differently from the typical drugs used in any procedure you may need.
Open Up to Your Dentist
In case you do require a dental extraction, don’t fret. Be open with your dentist. If you have questions, ask them. If you’re feeling anxious, communicate it, too. You may want to talk to them about cosmetic dentistry procedures post-extraction if you don’t like having a gap in your teeth. Your dental team is there to answer all your queries and make sure that you feel safe and comfortable at all times.
Give Your Input About Your Medication Plan
As part of being open with your dental care provider, you should tell them if you had experience being given anesthesia or being sedated and if you experienced any side effects. In case you’re anxious about the procedure, you can ask if sedation dentistry is possible for you. Also, if you have strong beliefs about not taking painkillers, speak to your dental team about it. They may come up with a medication plan that can accommodate you.
Schedule at Your Earliest Convenience
Some dental procedures can take you out of commission for a few hours. In this case, you need to have someone close to you to accompany you during the appointment. Don’t drive home when you’re not completely aware of your surroundings. When you work out the date, book it at once with the dental office.
Do Your Pre-procedure Preparations
When you call the dentist to schedule your dental extraction, ask them if you need to fast. Depending on your medical condition and the procedure, you may be required not to eat for a given number of hours. In addition, you cannot smoke twelve hours before and twenty-four hours after any dental procedure. Smoking can cause complications during the procedure and hinder the healing process afterward.
Dress Comfortably
On the day of the procedure, remember to dress comfortably. An old loose-fitting short-sleeved shirt is best. You don’t have to worry about any possible staining, and the dental team can put an IV drip on you when needed. You should also remember to avoid wearing jewelry, contact lenses, dark lipstick, perfumes, and body sprays. You also want to keep your hair away from your face and bring your favorite chapstick in case your lips become dry.
Conclusion
Dental extractions and other procedures can be completely stress-free. You just have to prepare and openly communicate with your dental team. Remember, refusing to seek dental treatment is not doing you any favors. The more you wait, the bigger the potential damage.
Do you need to have a tooth extraction in Denver? G-Dental32 is at your service! We offer a wide array of dental services and specialize in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and more. Schedule your appointment today and get the healthy smile you deserve!