TOOTH EXTRACTIONS: MUSIC, FIDGETS, AND THE ART OF NOT FREAKING OUT
Music during an extraction is a game changer. I’ve had more teeth yanked than I care to count—at this point, I’m practically on a first-name basis with my oral surgeon—and headphones are my go-to. I tried guided meditation once, but honestly, the narrator’s soothing voice telling me to “relax and let go” while someone was tugging at my molar just made me crack up (and then cough, which was awkward). Now I just stick with classic rock or some old Motown. Anything with a beat that drowns out the sound of those tools.
I get what you mean about not wanting every detail. My dentist once started describing the “pressure sensation” I’d feel and suddenly I was picturing my jaw popping off like a Mr. Potato Head. Less is more for me too—just tell me when to open wide and when it’s over.
Funny thing about fidget toys—I brought one of those squishy stress balls shaped like a cow to my last appointment (don’t ask why it’s a cow; long story involving a pharmacy clearance bin). It helped a bit, though by the end I’d squeezed it so hard its little eyes looked permanently startled. Haven’t tried pop-its yet, but now you mention it, I might toss one in my bag next time. Anything to keep my hands busy and mind distracted.
You’ll get through this. It’s never as bad as your brain makes it out to be beforehand. Last time, I spent days worrying and then ended up chatting about 80s movies with the assistant while they did their thing. Not saying it was fun, but it wasn’t the horror show I’d built up in my head either.
If you find something that works for you—music, fidget toy, whatever—run with it. And don’t be afraid to ask them not to narrate every step if that ramps up your nerves. You’re the boss of your mouth, after all... even if only until the Novocain kicks in.
I know music and fidget toys work for a lot of people, but honestly, I just couldn’t justify buying new gadgets or fancy headphones for my last extraction. Here’s what helped me, step by step: 1) Deep breaths before I went in, 2) Squeezing the armrest (free!), 3) Counting ceiling tiles. It sounds basic, but sometimes the simplest stuff works and doesn’t cost a dime. Also, I actually preferred when my dentist explained things—gave me a sense of control, weirdly enough. Everyone’s different, I guess.
My kid just had a tooth pulled last month and I was way more nervous than she was. She actually liked knowing what the dentist was doing—every little step—while I wanted to plug my ears. Did you find counting tiles actually distracted you? My daughter tried to count the dentist’s freckles instead, which made him laugh. I’m with you on skipping the gadgets though... sometimes less is more, right?
Counting tiles never worked for me either—I always lost track halfway through. Honestly, I was more into focusing on the sounds and just breathing slowly (which sounds weird, but it helped). Your daughter counting freckles is hilarious though—kids are so much better at rolling with things than we give them credit for. And yeah, sometimes all those distraction gadgets just make it feel more overwhelming. Old-school coping tricks win for me too.
Breathing exercises were a game changer for me, too—sometimes the simplest techniques work best. I’ve tried listening to music during appointments, but honestly, it just made me more aware of the weird sounds in the room. Focusing on something tactile like squeezing a stress ball helped more than any app or gadget. Has anyone found that visualization helps, or is it just distracting? I always wonder if picturing a calm place actually works for people or just makes you think about the chair even more.
