Prepare yourself for a tooth extraction

Finally, the dreaded day is here – the day you have to get your tooth extracted! Tooth extraction appointments can be traumatic ones but you can make it a pleasant and painless experience. A big part of your experience at the dentist’s office depends on how well you have prepared yourself for the procedure. Preparation is the key. Thus, to prepare yourself for the red letter day, we give you some important tips:

1. Precautionary medical assessment – First off, get a complete medical assessment done by your physician. People with diseases such as high blood pressure (hypertension), heart problems, bleeding disorders, asthma, compromised immunity, HIV/AIDS to name a few, should take special precautions before undergoing an extraction. Your physician will prescribe appropriate medications to prevent complications during or after the procedure. Your dentist will also recommend antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system or pre-existing infection.

2. Relax, meditate and don’t think much – Practice meditation techniques or yoga in the morning before your appointment. Avoid strenuous physical activities prior to extraction. Block out all thoughts of what the dentist will do and the scary instruments which he may use. Once at the dental office, walk around and  chat with the staff. All this will  help you calm your nerves. While on the dental chair, take deep breaths and relax. Deep breathing helps in calming the body in anxious and tense situations.

3. Bring a friend along. If not, a book would do – Ask  a friend or a loved one to accompany you. If the drive from your home to the dental office is stressful, ask them to drive. Bringing along a familiar person will help you divert your mind from the anxious thoughts popping up in your mind. In  case, no one can accompany you, bring a book to read while you wait for your procedure. This can help a great deal to calm you and relieve anxiety. 

4. Ask for conscious sedation – If nothing helps to calm your nerves, you can ask for sedation during the procedure. Your dentist can induce sedation either by giving you a pill or more commonly used inhalation sedation  with nitrous oxide. Sedation will allow peace of mind and put you in a relaxed state. Remember to arrange for someone to drive you back home after the appointment.

Families from Portland find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund.

If you would like to know more about tooth extraction and sedation dentistry, contact Green Meadow Dental, 3579B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111, (865)-860-0056. We also serve patients from surrounding areas like Southington, Berlin, and Hartford.

Watch our video for a few simple tips before an extraction: