How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is necessary when the teeth are badly damaged. Trauma, injury, crowded teeth, tooth decay, are all reasons for extraction. Before extracting your teeth, a dentist in Broomfield will thoroughly examine your mouth, gums, and teeth. You also get anesthesia during the procedure to numb you to the pain.

Tooth extraction can be pretty stressful. Therefore, you should prepare ahead of time to ease your stress. How can you prepare for an extraction?

Let’s find out!

Ask Questions

It is best to ask your oral surgeon any question you may have about having your tooth pulled. If possible, you can make a list of all your questions.

Complete Medical History

Before an extraction procedure, you will have to visit Fox Creek Dental by Espire, Broomfield and share your medical history with your dentist. Ensure you answer all questions comprehensively without leaving any details out. You may have to share specific information, including the history of bacterial endocarditis, congenital heart defects, and liver disease. Impaired immune system, bio heart valves, and artificial joint replacements are other specifics you have to share.

The reason why you are sharing these specifics is that they increase a patient’s susceptibility to infections. Furthermore, you have to share a complete list of your current medications; this helps the dentist in Broomfield avoid possible drug interactions. Also, if you are using blood thinners, your dentist may recommend stopping them before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Not Eating Before the Surgery

It is best to avoid eating anything 12 hours before the surgery to prevent nausea during and after the surgery. However, if you will be getting a local anesthetic, you may not need to fast as long as 12 hours. Also, if you have conditions like diabetes that prevent you from fasting, ensure you inform your oral surgeon. Furthermore, avoid smoking 12 hours before the procedure and 24 hours after to prevent slowing down the healing process and decrease the risk of dry socket. If possible, quit smoking altogether.

Home Care After Getting a Tooth Pulled

After getting your tooth pulled, you will feel some discomfort. Nevertheless, your oral surgeon will give you instructions to ease the pain. After the extraction, it is best to avoid hard foods; eat only soft foods like protein drinks, yogurt, and smoothies.

In addition, your tongue and cheeks will feel numb till the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Avoid drinking through straws or rinsing your mouth during this period – they can lead to a dry socket. Another important aftercare tip is rest. Try resting to speed up your healing process for the first one or two days after the procedure. You can prop your head on a pillow when lying down.

Furthermore, avoid brushing the extraction site and spitting forcibly. You should also take painkillers and other medication as prescribed by your dentist. Typically, your discomfort should wear off in two days, while the extraction site should be entirely healed in two weeks. Nevertheless, you should contact your dentist immediately if you have a fever, chills, severe bleeding, or swelling. Other reasons you should contact your dentist are chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting.

Conclusion

Tooth extraction is necessary when you have tooth decay, crowded teeth, gum disease, or trauma to the teeth. Before getting a tooth pulled, it is best to discuss it with your dentist in Broomfield and share your complete medical history; this helps your dentist develop a customized treatment plan for you.

Furthermore, you should avoid eating before the surgery, and you need to follow aftercare tips that can speed up your healing process.