How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
Reasons for Dental Extraction
Most people believe permanent teeth are supposed to serve them permanently.
Well, that’s not always true. Natural teeth can get seriously sick to the point that saving them is no longer possible.
According to the Brisbane Paediatric dentist, Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary to improve oral health or aesthetics.
Your dentist may decide to have one or multiple teeth extracted for the following reasons:
- Your tooth is damaged beyond repair, probably due to tooth decay or cavities.
- There is a risk of infection spreading in your mouth from a decayed tooth.
- Your tooth is badly fractured or broken and cannot be saved.
- Baby teeth that have not fallen out yet prevent your adult teeth from erupting.
- If you have severe gum disease, your dentist may pull your teeth to prevent the infection from affecting your jawbone.
- Your dentist may need to remove one or multiple teeth before orthodontic treatment.
- You have impacted wisdom teeth that are causing trouble for the neighbouring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth may make oral care challenging because food debris can get stuck around them and cause decay or gum disease.
Overcrowding can also be one of the reasons why dentists may decide to perform tooth extraction surgery.
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction Preparation
Some dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, may evoke uncomfortable feelings in some people. While tooth extraction is typically a safe and straightforward dental procedure, preparation can’t hurt.
Gaining enough information and getting prepared before tooth extractions can put your mind at ease and help you have a smooth procedure and a faster healing process.
Here are ways you can be prepared before having your tooth extracted:
Ask Questions
Do not shy away and express your concerns with your dentist before the procedure.
Asking questions before going through medical or dental procedures can clear away all the doubts and help you be more prepared for the procedure.
It is your mouth, and you have every right to know the steps involved in the tooth extraction procedure, the risks, and the type of anesthesia you are receiving.
Because extracting teeth is not usually preferable, you may need to know why you must have your tooth extracted rather than preserving it.
You can prepare a list of your questions or concerns that are occupying your mind and discuss them with your dentist.
Share your complete medical history with your dentist or oral surgeon.
Make sure you inform your dentist if you have allergies, recent surgery, and any medications you are currently using before tooth extractions.
Being aware of the patient’s medical history allows the dentist to make more informed decisions and can prevent complications during and after tooth removal.
Some people prefer to get a complete medical assessment done by a physician and let their dentist know if they have certain conditions requiring precautions before an extraction. Inform the dentist if you have diabetes, hypertension, or a weakened immune system.
Some health conditions make people more prone to infection, so the dentist needs to know if the patient has any of the following conditions before extracting their teeth.
- congenital heart defect
- history of bacterial endocarditis
- artificial joint replacements
- impaired immune system
- liver disease
- artificial or damaged heart valves
You need to let your dentist know what type of medicine or supplements you are taking so that they can reduce the risk of drug interactions.
Blood thinners may interfere with forming a blood clot at the extraction site and increase the risk of bleeding during tooth extraction. Your dentist may suggest you stop taking blood thinners if you are having your tooth pulled.
Avoid eating 12 hours before your oral surgery.
Chances are your dentist asks you to go fast and avoid eating before tooth extraction to reduce the risk of nausea during and after the procedure. (especially if you need to receive general anesthetic)
If you cannot fast before tooth extraction due to certain health conditions like diabetes, you must inform the oral surgeon.
If you are a smoker, you must avoid smoking for 12 hours before the procedure since smoking may lead to a painful condition called a dry socket and prolong the healing process.
And who knows!? It could be your chance to quit smoking for good and improve your oral and overall health.
Arrange Transportation
If you need a general anesthetic for dental surgery, you must have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Even if you are receiving a local anesthetic and not general anesthesia, you may not be able to drive due to pain, discomfort, or impaired reflexes. So, ask a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery.
Dress comfortably on the day of the procedure
Dentists typically recommend wearing comfortable clothes on the day of the surgery and avoiding heavy or tight clothes. Wearing short-sleeved can make things easier if you receive IV (intravenous sedation).
You may be advised not to wear dark lipstick, contact lenses, body sprays, perfumes, and jewellery.
Gain adequate information about aftercare instructions
The more you know, the faster you will recover! It is imperative to follow your dentist’s instructions and do as they say.
Make sure you take your prescribed antibiotics and pain medications.
Ask your dentist what foods are to be avoided to prevent possible complications.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Depending on your specific situation, you may require a simple or a surgical tooth extraction.
Simple extraction: Simple extractions involve the dentist removing the tooth that is visible in your mouth. The procedure is performed in the dental chair in the dentist’s office and is not involved.
Surgical extraction: Surgical extractions are performed if the tooth is not easily accessible and visible above the gum line. Surgical extractions may involve the removal of gum tissue or bone.
Tell me about the Tooth Extraction Procedure
- For simple tooth extraction, your tooth and its surrounding tissues will be numbed with a local anesthetic.
- The dentist will loosen your tooth using a special dental instrument called an “elevator”.
- Dental forceps will be used to remove the tooth from the tooth socket.
- Small incisions will be made in your gum tissue for surgical tooth extraction so the dentist can access the tooth and extract it. Sometimes, bone removal is required to access the tooth.
- The dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site to reduce bleeding.
- Your gum tissue may need to be sutured, so you must ask whether to arrange a follow-up appointment.
Who Will Perform Tooth Extractions
A general dentist, oral surgeon, or periodontist can perform dental extractions. Wisdom tooth removal may be done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a general dentist, depending on your unique situation.
How Painful is a Dental Extraction?
Dental extractions are performed under local anesthesia to eliminate pain and discomfort. The anesthetic will numb the tooth and its surrounding area, so the patient will not feel too much pain.
Patients may not feel their tongue and cheeks until the anesthesia wears away.
In specific situations, the dentist may decide to administer general anesthesia. In that case, the patient will be unconscious for the entire procedure.
Local anesthesia: numbs the extraction site
General anesthesia: Makes the person unconscious
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Here are some tips that can help you have a smoother recovery following an extraction:
- Your dentist will ask you to bite firmly on the gauze pad to help reduce bleeding.
- A blood clot forms in the extraction site after you have a tooth pulled to protect the bone during the healing process. Patients should avoid spitting forcefully for at least 24 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
- You can gently rinse the affected area using an antimicrobial mouthwash 2 to 3 times daily. You can also rinse your mouth using warm water with a half teaspoon of salt to aid healing.
- Please do not brush the extraction site for 12 hours.
- Smoking and drinking through a straw are not recommended for the first 24 hours.
- Patients are advised to eat soft foods for one or two days following their procedure and avoid applying too much pressure on the affected area by biting down on hard or crunchy foods.
- To help reduce swelling, patients can apply an ice pack over their cheeks.
Attention
Call your dentist if the bleeding socket lasts more than 24 hours after the extraction. Having fever and pus oozing from the socket should not go unchecked.
Looking For Tooth Replacement Options?
Pure dentistry offers several interesting affordable options.
You can contact us at (7) 3343 4869 to receive more information about root canals, dental implants, dental crowns, dental veneers, laughing gas, dental work under general anaesthesia, and sleep dentistry.
P: (7) 3343 4869
