Feeling Nervous About a Dental Extraction? We Can Help

In last month’s blog, we covered what you can expect during a dental extraction to help you manage anxiety about the procedure. At New York Dental Health in the Bronx and New York City, we understand that even the calmest dental patients may be nervous when it comes to having a tooth pulled. 

Today, we’ll share with you some of the strategies and techniques we use to help you through the procedure and recovery. The more you know, the easier the process becomes. 

Anxiety versus phobia

True dental phobia isn’t a common issue, while dental anxiety affects many more people. Nervousness about procedures like tooth extractions is expected and normal, and as dental care professionals, it’s an aspect of patient care for which we plan. 

While dental anxiety is a common problem, it can still interfere with your oral health when it causes you to delay treatment. A key aspect of managing anxiety is effective two-way communication between patient and dental team. 

Communicating your concerns

Our blogs and service pages are great places to start to demystify the process behind dental services. Learning about the steps involved not only prepares you for your appointment, it may also lead to questions for us. 

Sharing your concerns, thoughts, and questions with us is a fantastic way to relieve nervousness about your pending extraction. It gives us a better sense of your mindset, which may, in turn, help us make you feel more comfortable. 

Self-relaxation

There’s much you can do to temper nervousness on your own. You can employ techniques like controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization to take your mind off the moment. 

Books, music, and podcasts are a great way to distract yourself on your commute or when you’re in the waiting room. Feel free to bring a fidget spinner or stress ball if these techniques work for you. 

Sedation options

When you still struggle to control nervousness about your dental extraction, ask us about sedation options. Common dental sedative techniques include: 

Nitrous oxide

Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled during your appointment, providing a feeling of relaxation and well-being. You’ll still be aware of your surroundings, and the effect of the gas quickly wears off when you stop breathing it. It’s the only sedation method that permits driving yourself home after your extraction. 

Oral sedatives

Prescribed medication taken before your extraction, oral sedatives can help minimize your awareness of the procedure. Common drugs used include diazepam, lorazepam, and triazolam. 

Intravenous (IV) sedation

IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation when compared with oral medications. It’s typically reserved for patients with high dental anxiety or phobia. 

Please note that all sedation options may not be available in every office, so ask our staff about it before your extraction appointment so we can ensure your comfort. 

Contact New York City Dental at the nearest of our seven locations to arrange a dental extraction consultation and procedure. You can reach the office of your choice by phone or online, so book your visit today.