If the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel a bit uneasy, you are not alone. According to experts, about forty percent of patients either experience fear or develop severe anxiety attacks when told to get a dental procedure. Thankfully, advanced technology and medical innovations continue to pave the way towards alleviating fear associated with oral surgery, particularly wisdom teeth anxiety.

Wisdom Teeth Anxiety

Perhaps one of the most significant concerns in dental practice is dealing with patients with fear of losing teeth. Tooth extraction is a complex process that can evoke a series of reaction towards a patient. While wisdom tooth removal is a standard procedure, many people still find the process nerve-racking.

There are many reasons why you need to undergo wisdom teeth extraction. Aside from their functional purposes, they can significantly alter your dental structure. Without fixing it through oral surgery, it can cause severe damages to your oral health.

In most cases, people having a wisdom tooth removal procedure develop fears because of what they overhear from other patients’ experiences. In the past, tooth extraction involves a process that comes with some degree of discomfort and inconvenience. Fortunately, advanced dental practices help revolutionize the tooth extraction scene into a more patient-friendly procedure.

Dealing with Wisdom Teeth Anxiety

It is normal to experience a build-up of nerve and fear losing teeth as your surgery day approaches. However, letting your wisdom teeth anxiety get in the way of improving your oral health is not the best decision. When you let fear take over, you are putting yourself more at risk. Uncontrollable movements such as grinding teeth when anxious will make it difficult for your dental practitioner to perform the procedure.

Dental anxiety should not interfere in achieving your oral health and hygiene. Luckily, there are many ways to help you cope with your fear of losing teeth. Here are some considerations that you must take note of the next time you go to the dentist.

Sedation Dentistry

As a response to patient anxiety, dental associations adopt new methods and techniques in their practice. Sedation dentistry is one of the best innovative solutions for patients who feel uncomfortable with wisdom tooth extraction.

Technically, this approach provides benefits for both patient and dentists. It involves the safe use of anesthesia that helps put the patients in a relaxed state of mind. Additionally, it numbs the area where the wisdom tooth removal would occur, so there is no physical pain during the procedure.

Depending on the patient’s condition, there are different sedation options that a dental practitioner may offer. These include the following anesthetics:

Local Anesthesia

To keep a nervous patient calm while remaining awake, a dentist will trigger sufficient amounts of nitrous oxide or laughing gas. This anesthesia, on the other hand, is mainly used only for minor dental work.

Moderate Sedative

If a more complex dental work is necessary, a patient may take an oral sedative medication to achieve a deeper state of relaxation. However, it requires a board-certified anesthesia doctor to prescribe this medicine.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is extensively applicable for performing more intensive dental operations and extractions. It is known to temporarily shut down the patient’s memory and works a little longer than other sedatives. However, this form of sedation is given only for patients with special needs and high anxiety levels.

General Anesthesia

Perhaps the most potent form of sedation is through the use of general anesthesia. It is a helpful aid to render the patient completely unconscious throughout the procedure. However, this type of sedative is only necessary during an extensive wisdom tooth extraction. Moreover, this type of sedative is strictly administered only by an anesthesiologist.

Dental Spa

If you really cannot find yourself visiting a dental clinic, maybe going to a dental spa will do the trick. Dental hotels are known to have a warm and inviting atmosphere designed to help every patient feel more at ease. The welcoming vibes of a dental spa will make your wisdom tooth extraction a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Like a traditional dental office, a dental spa offers professional dental services. However, dental spas are gaining popularity because of their spa-like ambience and complimentary amenities. It is perfectly suitable for patients who seek moral support and care during their dental treatment. They also offer additional services such as:

• WiFi internet access
• Cozy dental chairs
• Flat-screen Television
• Soothing aromatherapy
• Heated neck pillow
• Spa music
• Massage therapy
• Warm cloth and blankets

Other Ways of Coping Wisdom Teeth Anxiety

Relaxation Techniques

When you start to feel a little anxiety coming over you, it will be helpful not to let your mind be too worked up. Several relaxation techniques can help calm down your nerves. You can practice taking a deep breath whenever you begin to overthink what could happen in the procedure.

Talk to Your Dentist

There is no better way to cope with wisdom teeth anxiety than having a fruitful discussion with your dentist. If you happen to have any questions in mind, your dentist can answer them all. Understanding the procedure will help minimize your anxiety as you will know what is supposed to happen.

It is beneficial to get educated and be comfortable about the procedure before your wisdom teeth removal. By doing so, you will feel more at ease and take no worries during the surgery.

Seeking Distraction

Sometimes, your Maroondah Dental Care dentist in Croydon may recommend putting on headphones and listen to your favourite music. Other clinics may have televisions situated in the ceiling where patients can watch. According to experts, a little distraction will prevent you from building up tension in your mind. Additionally, it can intercept you from hearing the dental device during the procedure.

Prioritizing Your Needs

Convincing yourself that you need this dental procedure will contribute nicely to easing your wisdom teeth anxiety. It is best to consider the practical purpose of your wisdom tooth removal. Pushing yourself on what’s best for your oral health will help you overcome other inconvenient factors that are holding you back.

The health benefits of having a wisdom tooth extraction will affect overall health. Being afraid of the risks and not taking a step forward can lead to severe concerns you have to tackle for the rest of your life.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia

https://www.nap.edu/read/13116/chapter/6

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dental-phobia-fears-dentist_n_1257277