Straight Teeth in Less Time
How To Prepare For A Tooth Extraction
Lois Murray
Everyone fears getting their teeth extracted, which explains why some people avoid visiting the dentist's office. But what if you must get the tooth pulled out? How do you ensure that the procedure is a success? Well, here is how you can prepare for dental extraction.
Ask Questions
Most people are afraid to get their teeth pulled out because they don't understand the procedure. Well, things could get easier if you asked the dentist how it feels and what's needed of you. Getting your questions answered will prepare you and will most likely suppress your fear. Some questions you should consider asking are:
- Are there risks of infection or pain?
- What can you do to prevent complications?
- How soon can someone replace the tooth?
Disclose Your Medical History
Before starting the procedure, you should share your medical history with the dentist. This way, the dentist will know what kind of anesthesia to use and how they will go about the procedure. You should share any information relating to:
- Impaired immune system
- Liver disease
- Congenital heart defect
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Mechanical heart valves
- Artificial joint replacements
Avoid Eating Before the Procedure
Dental extractions should be successful if you avoid food a few hours before the procedure. While this isn't always the case, you may want to consult with the dentist. In most cases, you will need to avoid eating if the procedure has to happen under general anesthesia. This way, you won't have to worry about nausea. You can eat as usual if the doctor plans to use local anesthesia.
Understand Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Getting the tooth extracted is one thing. But what should you do after the procedure is completed? You have to understand how to speed up the healing process. The following list includes ways to heal faster after the extraction:
- Avoid rinsing your mouth
- Use ice packs for a few minutes
- Avoid smoking for 24 hours or more
- Avoid demanding tasks for a few days
- Rinse your mouth with salty warm water, if you have to
Discuss Your Options for Pain Relief
Dental extraction can be quite painful, meaning you will need some painkillers to suppress the pain. While you have plenty of options, you should ask the dentist about which painkillers work best. They will know which type of painkillers to prescribe after the procedure is completed.
Contact your dentist to learn more about tooth extraction and how you can prepare.
Share
I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.