When your oral health team recommends dental surgery like wisdom teeth removal, it’s easy to imagine a worst-case scenario or negative stories from friends or relatives. In reality, tooth extraction performed by an experienced oral surgeon can be simple and entail minimal downtime. If you’re stressed or feeling anxious leading up to your appointment, here are a few helpful ways to relax and prepare. 

4 Ways to Manage Anxiety Before Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Ask Questions

Anxiety leading up to a dental procedure often stems from the unknown. To put your mind at ease, ask your dental team questions in advance. Let them know that you’re nervous and have them to walk you through each step of the process. By understanding the steps and having every concern addressed, you’ll walk in better prepared. 

2. Explore Sedation Dentistry 

If you’re worried about being awake during this procedure, talk to your oral surgeon about your sedation options. In addition to local anesthesia, you might be a candidate for intravenous sedation or laughing gas to promote further relaxation and minimize recollection of the experience. 

3. Plan 

Before your scheduled appointment, find a few ways to keep yourself grounded and calm. If wearing a lucky t-shirt or bringing a favorite playlist of music to listen to on headphones will minimize your stress, bring them with you. In addition, have a friend or family member take you to the appointment. Not only will they get you home safely afterward, but they can also provide emotional support, help with the recovery process, and ensure you get comfortable post-surgery. 

4. Concentrate on Results

When in the dental chair, don’t forget to take deep breaths and focus on the end result. Once your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll no longer experience tooth pain or shifts in your smile. Instead, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy smile that isn’t overcrowded or infection-prone. 

If you’re looking for a quality dental practice that offers sedation dentistry for procedures like wisdom teeth removal, call Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage today at (907) 561-1430 to schedule your consultation. For more information on this state-of-the-art clinic run by compassionate and experienced oral surgeons, Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway, visit their website.