What to Do before Tooth Extraction?

If losing a baby tooth brought you rewards and accolades from members at home, don’t expect any sympathy from anyone when recommended tooth extraction for any reason other than accidents. You begin thinking about your appearance and smile when you receive information from your dentist that you need a tooth pulled from your mouth. While getting stressed is natural, wouldn’t it benefit you if you prepared for the procedure by learning what to do before having a tooth removed?

We are aware tooth extractions are not glamorous as the dentist in 99503 uses gloved hands in your mouth to inject anesthesia to numb your mouth and, after that, uses instruments to wiggle your tooth before pulling it out. However, preparing yourself ahead of time for the procedure can make tooth removal much more manageable and prepare you to see a hole in your mouth during adulthood.

This article provides some tips on how to prepare for a tooth removal.

Discuss the Tooth Extraction Procedure with the Professionals

After receiving a recommendation for tooth extractions near me from the dentist, you are justified in asking me questions you have in your mind. Discuss the entire procedure with your dentist or oral surgeon and insist on answers to comprehensively understand the tooth extraction procedure. Do not consider any question inconsequential because it is the dentist’s job to make you comfortable before tooth removal. After all, they operate in your mouth, and the territory belongs exclusively to you.

Your Medical History

Before scheduling an appointment for tooth removal, please share your entire medical history with the dental professionals without leaving out any details. For example, you need to provide whether you have liver disease, impaired immune system, congenital heart defects, history of bacterial endocarditis, or artificial joint replacements. These conditions can make you prone to infections.

You must also include an entire list of medications you take to ensure your dental health provider avoids drug interactions. Provide the dentist information about blood thinners because the professional may recommend you stop the medications before your procedure. Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during the process and extend the healing time after completing the treatment.

Anesthesia & Painkillers

When undergoing tooth extractions, you will likely receive local or sedation anesthesia. You must have complete information on the anesthetic options your dentist will provide to determine your level of dental anxiety. If you are undergoing your first extraction during adulthood and are not fearful of dental treatments, dental professionals will likely offer you local anesthesia injected in your mouth. If your procedure is extensive and needs more powerful anesthetics, dentists offer you intravenous or sedation to make you calm and relaxed. However, you still receive local anesthesia in the mouth to block pain impulses.

You receive instructions from your dental provider not to eat anything 12 hours before your procedure. The restriction on foods is essential if you have intravenous anesthesia because it helps prevent nausea during and after the process. In addition, the dental professionals recommend not to smoke 12 hours before the tooth removal and 24 hours after to ensure your tooth removal process proceeds smoothly and you recover.

Transportation And Care

Driving back home after undergoing a tooth removal procedure is challenging because even local anesthesia can impair your reflexes. Therefore you must have a family member or friend to drive you home and remain with you after completing the procedure. Taking time off work and arranging for childcare are also suggested by dentists.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

The tooth extraction procedure with relatively straightforward and will likely not keep you in the dental office beyond a few hours. The dentist will request you go home and rest after recovering from the anesthesia delivered during your procedure.

After tooth removal, you will experience some discomfort and swelling in your face around the area of the extraction site. Dentists provide adequate after-care instructions to ensure your recovery proceeds smoothly without complications.

You must remain in bed or rest for at least 24 hours after tooth removal to ensure the blood clot in your mouth doesn’t dislodge. You must avoid eating or drinking anything until the numbing medication wears off for fear of biting your cheeks and lips. You must stick to soft and lukewarm foods during your initial days after tooth removal to ensure you don’t irritate the extraction site.

Dentists understand tooth extractions can make you nervous and fearful. It is why they have developed a comprehensive list of preoperative and post-operative care instructions which they provide to prepare you for tooth extractions before and after.

If you must have a tooth pulled for any reason, please do not fear the procedure but schedule an appointment with Anchorage Dental Arts to remove the problematic tooth from experienced dental professionals.