Preparing For Oral Surgery Without Freaking Out

If you are nervous about upcoming oral surgery, it's time to take a few deep breaths. While you may be scared, there's really very little to be afraid of. Your oral surgeon deals with impacted wisdom teeth, infections in the teeth or jaws, or the need for dental implants all of the time. Although oral surgery may be new for you, it isn't for your dentist. Take the time to read the preparation instructions, and consider asking for medication to help ease your stress prior to the procedure. You can even bring a friend or family member with you to help make you feel more comfortable.

Try Some Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness based stress reduction can be accomplished in a number of ways. One mindfulness technique is to take deep breaths in for a count of four and then release the breath to a count of four. When you regulate your breathing intentionally, it will having a calming affect on your body. While you may have to do this a number of times for the calmness to take hold, it is a way to help you focus on your breathing and release tension. Other ways you can practice mindfulness is to listen to a meditation recording while sitting or lying down completely still.

Stop Googling Your Upcoming Surgery

If you continually search for your upcoming surgical procedure online, you will find people who have had complications. Most people who have an easy time with any procedure don't relay their experience online, while those who had a complication often do. You will be able to find horror stories about your upcoming oral surgery if you look hard enough. Listen to your doctor instead, and ask for further clarification from your oral surgeon if you have questions.

Get Support If You Need It

When you are nervous, ask for support. It doesn't matter how small or how serious a surgical procedure is, if you need support, you will have to ask for it. It can be much easier to go to a procedure when you know you have a trusted companion with you. Let a friend or family member know that you are nervous and ask that they accompany you to your appointment. It isn't childish to ask for support, and it will help ease your nerves when the time comes for your surgery. When you practice your breathing techniques and bring support, you will be ready for oral surgery.

For more information, contact local professionals like Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics.