5 Tips to Make Tooth Extractions Less Stressful

Tooth extractions, like wisdom teeth removal, are sometimes necessary to protect your other teeth from damage, prevent disease, or alleviate discomfort. They’re also important for oral health, especially if you’re experiencing overcrowding, pain, decay, or other issues.

Still, it’s common for patients facing an extraction to feel anxious about the procedure. But here’s the good news: We’ll do everything we can to clean and restore your teeth first. And in cases where removal is unavoidable, we’ll make sure you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way—starting with suggestions for easing your fears.

 

5 Tips to Ease Your Tooth Extraction Fears

Even though an extraction can help you achieve a healthier smile, you may still feel uncertain about what to expect. Here are a few tips to calm your fears and prepare for your procedure.

1. Know What to Expect

During your consultation, your dentist will explain the extraction process. This usually includes taking X-rays of your teeth ahead of time to plan the procedure. At the start of your extraction, your dentist will give you anesthesia to prevent pain and help you relax. They’ll use a tool to lift the tooth and loosen ligaments and tissue around the area. Then, they’ll grab the tooth with forceps and gently rock it back and forth until it comes out. 

After removal, your dentist will pack gauze into the empty socket or use stitches to close the hole. According to the American Dental Association, you’ll likely experience some bleeding as your mouth fills the empty tooth root with a blood clot.

2. Ask Questions

Your consultation with your dentist is the perfect time to get all your questions answered before your procedure. Even though they’ll go over the extraction with you, it’s always a good idea to bring a list of questions to your appointment so you don’t forget anything important to discuss. 

3. Prepare for Your Procedure

Preparing for your extraction ahead of time will make your entire experience smoother and less stressful. Your dentist will give you some pre-procedure instructions to follow. These may include avoiding food and drinks for a few hours and arranging a ride home after your extraction. 

4. Follow Your Care Plan

After your extraction, it’s important to follow your care plan for a smooth recovery. Your dentist will give you instructions to gently clean the area while it heals. You’ll also need to stick to soft foods and avoid using straws, which may dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket. These issues can cause additional pain and delay your healing time.

It’s normal to experience some soreness during recovery, but it usually resolves within a few days. Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers or suggest over-the-counter medication to help with the discomfort. If the pain doesn’t go away, or you have signs of infection, let your dentist know.

5. Prevent Future Extractions

Caring for your teeth and gums now may help prevent future procedures. Remember to brush and floss daily and see your dentist for regular dental checkups. Your dentist can spot issues before they become serious.

 

Tooth Extractions in Bartlesville

At Bartlesville Family Dental, we use efficient techniques to protect your teeth and keep your smile intact, including same-day services for emergency tooth extractions. When a tooth extraction is the right option for you, you can count on our caring team to explain every step of the process, so your experience is as stress-free as possible. 

Call Our Office For an Appointment

 

Bartlesville Family Dental

Hours

Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm