It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or even afraid when learning you need a tooth extraction in Marietta, OH. No one sets out to have a tooth removed, but when recommended by a professional, you can trust it is necessary to improve your oral health. But what can you do to minimize your fears? A local expert explains what they can do to alleviate anxiety as well as what steps you can take to better prepare physically and mentally for your upcoming procedure.
How Your Oral Surgeon Can Help
Dental anxiety is a real problem, and millions of people in the United States suffer from some form of it. While many find ways to overcome their fears, others choose to avoid treatment, which can lead to more serious, timely, and costly procedures.
When preparing to undergo a tooth extraction, your oral surgeon is all-too-aware of the worries you might have regarding your procedure. This is why they provide general anesthesia and sedation for healthy individuals suffering from severe dental anxiety. If for any reason your immune system is compromised, you will likely be recommended to undergo the procedure in a hospital setting.
Ways You Can Alleviate Anxiety
Your oral surgeon isn’t the only one who can help minimize your anxiety or fears. You can do your part as well by:
- Understanding teeth extractions are common procedures that oral surgeons perform regularly. They are safe, effective, and designed to improve your oral health, which means fewer dental procedures in the future.
- Visualizing the procedure being a success. By allowing yourself to believe you will come out of your surgery with no problems, you can help ease your mind and calm your nerves.
- Moving forward with the extraction. You may be tempted to put it off but doing this will only lead to more serious problems and timely surgeries.
Tooth Extraction Process and Recovery: What to Expect
There are two ways your oral surgeon can remove unhealthy or problematic teeth. The procedure they choose is dependent on whether your tooth has erupted or if it is impacted, meaning it is beneath the gum line. If you are undergoing what is known as a simple extraction, your oral surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth and use dental forceps to gently move it back and forth until it detaches from the gums.
If it is necessary to extract a tooth that is located beneath the gums, they will likely remove the tooth in sections to allow for a more seamless and successful extraction.
Once the tooth (or teeth) are removed, you can expect to spend the next 2-3 days recovering at home. This will allow for ample healing time and minimize the potential for a dry socket. You will likely experience some soreness and discomfort, but this can be easily mitigated with over-the-counter medication and a cold compress, which is also helpful to reduce swelling. These symptoms should dissipate after 3 days, but if they do not, don’t be afraid to contact your oral surgeon.
While recovering at home, it’s important that you avoid using a straw, smoking, or eating hard, crunchy foods, as these can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
Now that you know more about the tooth extraction process and necessary at-home recovery, you can feel more at ease going into your appointment than before. Your oral surgeon places your safety and comfort first, so prepare to relax and let the professionals take care of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee and the team at Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery know dental anxiety can get the best of any patient. Whether preparing to undergo dental implant placement or tooth extraction, fears can be at an all-time high. This is why they are pleased to provide anesthesia and sedation for healthy individuals who are fearful of oral surgery. If you are worried about an upcoming procedure and want to find out what you can do to better prepare, contact us at (740) 432-8768.