The idea of your dentist pulling out your precious pearly white probably isn’t pleasant. No one would blame you for feeling nervous about your upcoming extraction! But it’s also not fun to be overwhelmed by anxiety until the process is over and done with. If you’re having trouble managing your stress, keep reading. This post will tell you what you can do to relieve your nerves.
Three Words: Noise Canceling Headphones
Your dentist will numb your mouth with an effective anesthetic before starting your treatment, but for many people, dental office noise is just as anxiety-inducing as knowing what’s about to happen. Music is a great solution for sound-sensitive patients, allowing them to comfortably dissociate and relax to a familiar beat. Noise canceling headphones or earbuds can help even more by blocking out background noise and dampening sharp sounds.
Bring Your Favorite Fidget Toy
Maybe you’re not worried about being overstimulated, but under-stimulated! It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes anxiety only gets worse when you sit absolutely still. To release your nervous energy during treatment, consider bringing a fidget toy to your appointment. Stress balls, smooth stones, worry coins, and other such objects can provide an outlet for your fight-or-flight response and calm your nervous system.
Ask A Friend or Family Member to Come with You
Do you know someone who has a knack for making a troubling situation seem light and totally not like a big deal? Ask them to come with you to your appointment! Even if they don’t say anything, simply having their comforting presence nearby can significantly reduce stress. Plus, it’s often a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home after tooth extraction.
Remember This Will Benefit You and Relieve Pain
Nothing sparks anxiety like unknown consequences. If you can’t stop thinking about the treatment process or logistics or whatever is inducing stress, try to take a deep breath and zoom out to the big picture. In a matter of minutes, the source of your oral pain or illness will be removed. Completely gone. No longer your problem. Ultimately, this treatment will prevent you from developing scarier complications down the road.
Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy, especially if you experience it chronically. But these tips can help you take control of your biological response and environment to promote calm and relieve stress. Lean on your support systems and coping mechanisms, and your tooth extraction will be over before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick is a highly experienced dentist with an impressive resume. He’s an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, has served as a visiting faculty member for Spear Education, and was the Education Director at the Tulsa Institute. You can trust him to extract your tooth carefully and successfully, and if you’re nervous about your upcoming appointment, Dr. Kendrick will listen attentively and help you feel more relaxed. To contact his office, call 405-732-0431.