While preventing tooth loss is one of the primary goals of dentistry, it is sometimes necessary to remove an infected or damaged tooth to protect the patient’s oral and overall health. It’s understandable that many people may have a lot of anxiety at the thought of having a tooth extracted, but there are ways to overcome your fear before the procedure. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your anxiety before having a tooth removed.
Know Why You Need a Tooth Extraction
Your dentist will not recommend removing a tooth without a very good reason. A tooth that is severely damaged is vulnerable to infection, and tooth decay can spread from one tooth to another. Allowing these infections to fester can lead to many more teeth being lost or compromised.
Research also suggests that the bacteria that cause tooth decay can spread to other parts of the body where they can cause dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia. Having a tooth extracted can potentially save you from a trip to the emergency room.
Know How Your Dentist Will Extract Your Tooth
The tooth extraction process involves a series of steps that ensure that the procedure is safe and effective. These include:
- Anesthesia: You will receive local or general anesthesia to render the process completely painless. You may also receive sedation treatments if you need any more help sitting comfortably.
- Incisions: If your tooth is impacted, your dentist may make incisions in your gums to help loosen it.
- Removal: Your dentist will then grab the tooth with forceps and gently rock it until it comes loose. If the tooth is difficult to pull, they may break it into pieces and remove them individually.
- Gauze: Once the tooth has been removed, a blood clot will form over its socket. Your dentist may place gauze over it to stop the bleeding.
- Stitches: Your dentist will sew the extraction site shut. The stitches are usually self-dissolving, so you won’t need to worry about having them removed.
Know Your Aftercare Instructions
You can maximize your comfort after tooth extraction by strictly following your dentist’s aftercare instructions. These will probably include:
- Take any pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed, but avoid aspirin, as it can thin out your blood and cause more bleeding.
- Leave the gauze in place for three or four hours after the procedure.
- Avoid smoking or drinking with a straw, as these can interfere with the healing process and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
- When you lie down, keep your head elevated over your heart to reduce stress in the extraction site due to higher blood pressure.
While a tooth extraction can be daunting, it can be excellent for your oral and overall health. By knowing why an extraction is necessary, what to expect, and how to care for yourself afterward, you can greatly reduce your anxiety before the procedure.
About the Author
Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya earned his dental doctorate at the prestigious New York University and stays abreast of the latest developments in his field by regularly participating in continuing education courses. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Society. His office in Carrollton offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as tooth extractions. For more information on what to expect during an extraction, contact his office online or dial (469) 694-3766.