From talking to your dentist in Stockton, CA about the procedure to tips on staying calm, these insights will help you with preparing for a tooth extraction.

About 20 million tooth extractions happen every year. Getting a tooth extracted may sound scary, but if a dentist has elected to remove one of your teeth, it means that's the best possible option for your situation. There's nothing to worry about!

If this is your first tooth extraction, you might not know what you should be doing beforehand. What does preparing for a tooth extraction consist of anyway?



We're here to offer some advice that can help you prepare for a tooth extraction without getting overwhelmed. Read on to learn more. 

Once you have a dentist that you're comfortable with, talk to them about your future dental procedure. They'll be able to give you helpful advice and make recommendations specifically about the things you're concerned about. 

Ask your dentist about how you should prepare for whatever sedation option that you're going to be using. In some cases, you may have to have someone else drive you home after the procedure, so this is important to know beforehand. 



Ask them about any potential complications that could arise and how you can prevent them. Knowing about complications might be anxiety-inducing, but it will prepare you. 

You want to arrive at the perfect time for your appointment. You should be early enough that you know you won't be running late even if there's traffic. You should also be early enough to leisurely fill out any necessary paperwork. 

Being early will give you a few minutes to collect yourself if you're nervous. 

With this in mind, don't be too early for your tooth extraction. Having a few minutes to decompress is a good thing, but having too long to sit alone with your thoughts can be counterproductive. 

If your appointment is running late and you've arrived far earlier than necessary, it's helpful to read a book or do something entertaining on your phone while you wait. Don't catastrophize. 

Some people recover from a tooth extraction right away. They're able to get back to work or school within the hour and go about their day. This may not be the case for you, especially if this is your first tooth extraction and you don't know what to expect.

Prepare to rest after your extraction. You may feel good enough to get back to your responsibilities right away, but it's better to be safe rather than sorry.

Prepare food that you'll be able to eat after your tooth extraction. You should avoid anything too hot, too hard, or too sticky (at least for the first day). It's also unwise to drink anything with a straw, so if you were planning on a smoothie or milkshake, you'll have to drink it straight from the cup. 

If you want to take anti-inflammatory medication and your dentist won't be giving it to you, pick some up before your procedure. Talk to your dentist about what they recommend.



Make sure you have a clean toothbrush and that you know proper brushing procedures for after your appointment. 

Tips for Staying Calm

You're prepared for your procedure, but you're also nervous. That's okay. Plenty of people are afraid of their first tooth extraction. There are a few things you can do to keep yourself calm, however.

Here are our favorites.

Practice Breathing Techniques

For someone with dental anxiety, the idea of a dental extraction can trigger stress. Try some anxiety-related coping mechanisms to help calm yourself down.

Deep breathing is a helpful coping mechanism. Try to take slow and steady breaths until you feel yourself starting to relax.

You can also try alternate-nostril breathing or any other breathing technique.

Bring a Distraction 

This may not work for everyone, but bringing a distraction can be helpful when you're feeling anxious.

If you're fidgety, bring something that you can occupy your hands with. Fidget items are readily available, and while they're marketed to children, many adults use them to relieve anxiety.

Ask your dentist if you can listen to music or podcasts while you're getting your tooth extracted. This can also distract you enough to get through the appointment.

Share Fears With the Dentist 

Your dentist understands dental anxiety. If you explain that you're feeling nervous, they'll be able to give you advice and put your mind at ease (at least on some level).

They may also walk you through the procedure so you know exactly what's happening at all times. 

Are You Preparing For a Tooth Extraction?

Preparing for a tooth extraction might seem stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, this is a routine procedure that dentists do all the time. When it's over, you'll have a healthier mouth (and likely less pain).

You're ready for your tooth extraction!



If you're looking for a dentist in Stockton, CA for your tooth extraction, we're here for you. At Galvez Dental, our team makes sure that everyone leaves the office with a healthy smile. Contact us to set up an appointment today.