X-rays, instruments and gauze can all set off a strong gag reflex. Telling your dentist about it is a practical first step, and there is nothing embarrassing about it.
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Some people avoid the dentist less because of pain than because a mirror near the back of the mouth makes them retch. If you live in the Exchange District and that describes you, having a tooth removed may sound especially daunting.
A gag reflex is simply information your dentist can use, much like an allergy or a medication. Raise it at Winnipeg North Dental on McPhillips Street, during your X-ray and examination if not before, so that the appointment can be approached with it in mind.
Explore tooth extractions
Your dentist cannot allow for a reflex they have not been told about, so bring it up.
If you feel a gag coming on, signal it and ask for a moment to recover.
Knowing whether X-ray sensors, water or touch sets you off gives everyone something specific to work around.
Triggers differ from person to person, so think about what has bothered you before. The extraction decision itself still rests on the condition of the tooth, not on how you react to instruments.
An examination and X-ray are part of the assessment, so it helps to prepare for them.
These moments are worth discussing, especially for a tooth toward the back.
If gauze bothers you, ask how to position it before you go home, because biting on it as directed helps control bleeding.
Knowing the order lets you anticipate each stage. Approach depends on where the tooth sits, the form of its roots, the bone and whether it can be seen fully.
Request your visitMedications, allergies, history, X-rays and the tooth planned for removal are confirmed, and this is a good moment to mention gagging.
Your dentist numbs the area locally, then checks that you are comfortable.
You will feel pressure while the tooth moves, and some cases require a small incision or sectioning.
The area is cleaned, bleeding is stopped and gauze or sutures are used as they are needed.
Instructions are given to you in writing, with symptoms that warrant a call clearly listed.
You do not have to solve this by yourself. A short list simply helps your dentist understand what you are dealing with, and what you would like to try.
For severe pain or swelling that comes on fast, call the clinic directly and skip the online request.
Treatment room with a sink and wood cabinets.
Your body does this without asking your permission, and it says nothing about your toughness. Most of what helps here is communication, so keep your dentist up to date as things go along.
Since speaking may be hard, ask your dentist about a simple gesture that means stop.
Many people find it easier to focus on the current step and not the whole appointment.
If a numb tongue or throat feeling adds to your worry, tell your dentist instead of trying to ignore it.
Recovering with a sensitive throat
The instructions you were given override anything general here, as healing varies. Soreness, some swelling and minor oozing can occur early and ought to ease as the days go by.
Biting on gauze as directed still matters, and you should replace it only as instructed. Call the clinic if you are having trouble managing it.
Pick soft foods at a cool or lukewarm temperature, and keep chewing to the other side.
Let the clinic know about bleeding that will not settle with directed pressure, sharply rising pain after a few days, increasing swelling, fever, drainage, a bad taste or unexpected numbness.
Any real difficulty breathing or swallowing is a reason to seek emergency medical care at once.
Talk with our team
Winnipeg North Dental
Unit-5 2358 Mcphillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6Get directions (opens in a new tab)If you live in the Exchange District, in Winnipeg, your examination and extraction happen at Winnipeg North Dental, Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street. Click the directions link for help planning your trip.
Submitting this form does not secure an appointment. The clinic will contact you about timing, so call if your concern cannot wait.
Questions about coverage?
Talk with our team before your visit or learn about CDCP.
Helpful details about tooth extractions in Exchange District.
Ask our teamTell the person taking it what tends to happen. An X-ray is an important part of the assessment, so it is worth letting them know before they begin.
Signal your dentist so they can stop and let you settle. It is a common reflex, and the procedure can be approached with it in mind.
A numb feeling can seem strange if it reaches the back of the mouth or tongue. Tell your dentist what you notice, and ask any questions you have about it.
Instruments may come closer to your trigger area, so it is good to discuss this in advance. Your dentist can explain what removal of your particular tooth involves.
Ask before you leave how it should sit and how long it is needed. It helps control bleeding, so call the clinic instead of simply abandoning it.
Mention gagging on the form, or tell the clinic by phone at (204) 338-3003. Your appointment would take place at the clinic on McPhillips Street in Winnipeg.
Depending on what your dentist finds, you may want to read about keeping the tooth or planning for the space it leaves behind.
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Explore serviceHave an urgent concern? Call (204) 338-3003 to discuss availability.
Mention the gag reflex
Send us a request with your concerns included, and the McPhillips Street clinic will contact you to arrange a time.
Patient testimonials
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