Anxious Teen - Tooth Extraction

[HoundOfTheBasketballs]

DS is 13 and due to have 4 teeth removed in readiness for braces at the end of this month.
He is very anxious about it. I want to reassure him about what happens and what to expect. But (touch wood) I have never required a dental procedure of any kind so my personal experience is limited to check ups and having my teeth cleaned, which is no help to him. I have asked him to speak to his friends who wear braces, but being 13, he keeps "forgetting."
Can any MNers share any positive experiences and also explain exactly what the process is so I can talk to him about it before the appointment?

also explain exactly what the process is
Call the dentist he'll be seeing and ask them to talk you through it so you can prepare him. Take notes! Don't forget to ask them what he'll be able to eat after and timescales.

Our version was not pretty...

Thanks @PineConeWar not sure why I hadn't thought to call up the dentist!
Although now you've got me worried saying yours wasn't pretty.
I think DS has visions of pliers and blood everywhere!

hi op i am a children's dentist and routinely do these extractions for teens. honestly it is all very very straightforward. there is most certainly not "pliers and blood" everywhere!

usually there is a quick injection i usually use topical as well so it isn't felt as much and then as these are usually single rooted teeth for ortho they tend to pop out very easily. it is usually one side of mouth at a time so right hand side top and bottom then left. honestly try not to worry it is all very simple and quick. your son may just feel a bit of pushing but that's it

Is he having all 4 out at once? We have just been through this and had the option of two at each visit (ie two left then two right). There will be an injection at each site (possibly two per tooth) which isn’t at all painful. Just briefly uncomfortable (milliseconds) and the teeth will be removed once numb. He may feel pressure but there’ll be no pain. It may bleed afterward, but not likely to be much. The worst part is the salt water rinse for the next few days.

My DC was given the option of a topical numbing gel before the injections which they didn’t choose to have despite being very frightened at first. Now not remotely bothered about having the next two out soon

I had 2 out for braces, I'd had wisdom teeth out before so knew what to expect.

My gum was numbed with gel first and then the local injected. Then I closed my eyes. He can take music to listen to as well if he wants.

There was some pulling and prodding for one as it broke on the way out.

After, you need to salt rinse and stick to soft food. It's not fun but soon forgotten

I has 4 out under general at that age, horrible scary experience, woke up in a different room completely disorientated and finding it difficult to breathe as I had loads of padding in my mouth I assume they put in to stop the bleeding. I then had to have paramedics out later that day so not good at all! Find out from the dentist exactly what the process is as not knowing in advance made it a lot more scary.

This www.sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool/research/person-centred-population/child-dental-anxiety/resources

Is a really useful page that your dentist may/may not have heard about.
Have a read, and maybe print off the 'letter to the dentist' to look at with your son. Definitely taking music and a treat to look forwards to after does help. So does relaxation breathing and practising being 'calm' at home before you go

As a pp said, it's quick and easy. He'll be fine.

Thank you all for such helpful and reassuring replies. I will definitely take a look at those resources. And we will take his headphones so he can listen to music. I spoke to the dental nurse when I made the appointment about him being nervous and she said she had made a note for the dentist so he would know, and he is a lovely man anyway so that will help. We are booked to take two out and then go back for another two at a later date.

I've had all sorts done to my teeth. Had general anaesthetic and dental surgery in a hospital (14) had braces (14) and had wisdom teeth removed (adult age).

None of which were horrifically bad.

The wisdom teeth were last year and the only bad bit about it is how long the dentists "rummage" around in your mouth for. But then I had complications with mine where the root snapped off.

Honestly even with all that it's not that bad. I came out and met my family for lunch straight afterwards (obviously temporary eating/drinking changes will apply).