The removal of a wisdom tooth is a certain type of right of passage. It is something that is incredibly common. Removal may not be medically necessary for everyone. However, chances are when your dentist has a conversation with you about having your wisdom teeth removed, you will quickly be able to think of someone you know who has recently undergone the procedure themselves. There are plenty of reasons to have your wisdom teeth removed. The wisdom teeth do not serve a functional purpose in the mouth. And, they do not develop until you have passed adolescence. As a result, they can significantly alter the shape and feeling of your mouth. This can cause damage to your other teeth and gums both functionally and aesthetically. Those who have used braces to have their teeth straightened could find themselves flashing a crooked smile again. This is due to pressure from the wisdom teeth. Thus, allowing the wisdom teeth to grow could cause thousands of dollars in aesthetic repairs.
The practical purposes for having wisdom teeth removed aside, there is still a lot of anxiety that can be present. Even if the extraction is what’s best for your oral health, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without some degree of discomfort and inconvenience. Having any sort of dental procedure will require days missed from school or work. Additionally, dietary adjustments, and likely several other lifestyle adjustments are needed while you are healing from the procedure. These inconveniences are likely to last a number of days. However, the important thing to remember is that the health benefits of having your wisdom teeth removed will last the rest of your life.
Wisdom Teeth & Anxiety
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be an anxiety-producing experience. It is likely you know someone who has had their wisdom teeth removed. As you realize, that is not the same as having gone through the experience yourself. As surgery day approaches, it is common to experience a build-up of nerves and anxiety about the experience.
Letting this anxiety get in the way of what you know is medically the best decision for your health, is the worst thing you can do. Anxiety prior to any sort of procedure is common. However, there are ways to cope with this anxiety so that it does not interfere with your dental health and hygiene.
Considerations to Cope with Dental Anxiety:
- Wisdom tooth extraction is an incredibly common procedure. When you visit your Melbourne or Rockledge office to get your wisdom teeth removed, you can be assured that it is a procedure your dental surgeon has done hundreds of times. The risk of an unexpected complication is extremely low.
- There is sedation for the entire procedure. While any form of tooth extraction would of course be painful, wisdom tooth removal is not something you will remember if you are fully sedated. During the actual removal, you will be sedated the entire time. This means you will go to sleep and wake up with the procedure complete. Talk to us about your sedation choices.
- Your dentist can answer all of your questions. There is no question too small or large when it comes to your health. We urge you to ask whatever questions come to mind about your wisdom teeth and the procedure. If there is something you do not understand and it is causing you anxiety, then you should ask for clarity.
Techniques to Lessen Dental Anxiety
A little bit of anxiety prior to a surgical procedure is natural. You want to be mindful not to let yourself get too worked up before the procedure. Try using relaxation techniques to calm down. Read about the procedure and ask your dentist as many questions as you want. It is beneficial for you to feel educated and comfortable about the process of having your wisdom teeth removed. Additionally, practice taking deep breaths whenever the topic comes up. This will make you feel more at ease with the prospect of having them removed. Try using other stress relief techniques as well. Try journaling, exercising, or listening to music to help yourself cope with the added anxiety of facing this procedure. It may be impossible to entirely avoid added stress when facing a dental procedure. However, learning how to cope with the stress can help you make the best decisions for your dental health and well-being.
Contact Our Experts at Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery
At Sunrise Facial and Oral Surgery, our experts look forward to talking to you about your dental anxiety and your procedure. We are here for you not only to explain and conduct your procedure, but to help guide you through any anxiety or stress you may have. Contact us today for an appointment in either our Melbourne or Rockledge office.
