How to Relieve Dental Anxiety for a Tooth Extraction

One of the most major sources of anxiety for some people is a trip to the dentist, but it does not have to be this way. Anxiety is the result of fear. Fear is usually a result of the unknown. This is an inherent problem that most people have. If you have dental anxiety at the idea of getting an emergency tooth extraction, you are not alone. However, what if you knew exactly how the procedure worked? Wouldn’t it make you feel a little different, knowing what to expect?

Visiting The Dentist

When you visit a dentist’s office for tooth extraction in Knoxville, TN, you should feel a sense of comfort and calm. This should happen because your dentist has prepared you for the procedure you are about to have, and the staff welcomes you as if you are part of the family. Knowing more about the steps involved in your tooth extraction will put you in control of the situation and thereby, reducing your level of anxiety. Being greeted by the staff as you walk in is another way to make you feel a sense of belonging.  

Ask Questions

It is your responsibility as a patient to ask as many questions as you need to; before going in for your emergency tooth extraction. You should also find out on your own what to expect during and after the procedure. This will empower you and give you more confidence as you walk through the doors of the dentist’s office. There are lots of online resources that you can access to learn more.  

Knowing About The Procedure

It would also be quite useful to know how long it took to do tooth extractions. It is actually a quick process and takes less time than other procedures like crowns and fillings. You should also be aware that the mouth of a human being is easy to heal, and so, the recovery time would only be a few days. In addition, having a tooth extraction helps to relieve future pain and discomfort.  

Preserving Oral Health

Once you understand why you have to do an emergency tooth extraction, it will become clear why it is the best choice, especially when you have an in-depth discussion with your dentist. Our dental team at South Knox Dental in Knoxville, TN, takes a much more conservative approach when recommending an emergency tooth extraction. We takes pride in educating and informing patients that an extraction is the last resort and is usually done to preserve good oral health. 

Getting Rid of Fear

To further relieve dental anxiety for tooth extraction, the dentist should have a sense of compassion and empathy. If the patient is scared, the dentist should let them know it is OK to be scared. However, you need a dentist who can provide a soothing voice that will take away such fear. Some professionals have the gift of comforting their patients and reducing the fear. 

Additional Tips

There are other tips that you should consider to help you with dental anxiety, and these include:

• Bringing along a family member or close friend to be with you
• Listening to music while you head out to the dentist can help to calm your nerves
• You can bring your headphones to listen to your own favorite tunes
• Do breathing techniques and meditation for relaxing the mind

If you are ready to see a dental professional for your emergency tooth extraction, you should pick up the phone and call South Knox Dental Knoxville, TN, at (865) 577-7535 to schedule an appointment. South Knox Dental has several dental options available to residents of Knoxville, TN.