How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

Losing a tooth as a kid was joyful and exciting. One would often receive a gift from the tooth fairy. However, as an adult, losing a tooth isn’t so appealing. Rather than rewards, tooth extraction procedures can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. In addition, there are various reasons one may need their teeth extracted, such as tooth infections, decay, gum disease, or crowding. So, while dental extractions aren’t procedures to look forward to, preparing for them beforehand will help eliminate anxiety and stress.

Preparing for a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction procedures are fairly simple and quick. It is normal for one to be nervous before the process. But at Affordable Dental Clinics, we will guide you on how to prepare for your tooth extraction. The following are tips on how you can prepare for your appointment.

Ask Questions

During your consultation with our emergency dentist near you, don’t hold back any questions you may have about the procedure. If possible, you can even write down all your concerns and bring the note to the dentist. According to our dentist in Greely co, getting your questions beforehand will help you feel less anxious and stressed about the procedure.

Share Your Medical History

You need to share your medical history with your dentist during consultation. For example, let them know if you are currently on any prescribed or non-prescribed medications. Are you suffering from any medical conditions or diseases? Make sure you don’t leave out any details about your medical status, even if they may sound unimportant. For example, some conditions can make one more susceptible to infections after the procedure.

Who Will Drive You Home?

The tooth extraction procedure is done under anesthesia. Unfortunately, the anesthesia will leave you feeling drowsy after the procedure. And when in this state, it is unsafe for one to drive. Make arrangements for a friend, relative, or taxi to take you home after the treatment. When at home, prioritize rest the first 24 hours after the appointment. Take time off from work and get someone to stay with you overnight.

Talk to Your Dental Insurance Providers

How are you going to pay for the procedure? If you have medical insurance coverage, take time to understand their policies. Some dental insurance plans only cover a part of oral surgeries. Double-checking your insurance providers will help you avoid unexpected bills and claims. Find out how much the procedure will cost, and you can also request a description from the dentist about the procedure to share with your insurance providers.

Dress Comfortably

Dressing comfortably for the procedure is important. Avoid wearing heavy or tight-fitting clothing. Instead, put on clothes that are light and loose-fitting. In addition, you should avoid jewelry, heavily scented perfumes, contact lenses, and makeup.

Avoid Eating Before the Procedure

Before the procedure, you should avoid eating or snacking for 12 hours before the surgery. This will prevent nausea sensation during and after tooth extraction. If you are under local anesthesia, fasting may not be required. However, inquire from your dentist about it. Also, don’t smoke for 12 hours before surgery and a few days after the surgery. Smoking will slow down the healing process and increase the risk of developing a dry socket.

What Not to Eat After Extraction

After tooth extraction, you will have to be careful about what you are eating to avoid aggravating and infecting the affected site. The following several types of foods you should avoid:

• Spicy foods. Are you a lover of spicy foods? You will have to do away with them for a while after your procedure. This is because they can irritate and cause discomfort.

• Chewy foods such as candies, pizza, and steak require a lot of jaw power to chew. Therefore, you should give your jaw a few days to heal.

• Highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits can be like a paper-cut pain on wounds, and they cause a burning sensation on the extraction site. They can also cause general mouth irritation and slow the healing process.

• Avoid taking hard food substances. Additionally, they can also be difficult to chew. Hard foods like nuts and popcorn will leave small food particles between your teeth, and they can also easily lodge on the extraction site. This can lead to gum and jaw infections. Avoid them until you have fully healed. Contact our dental office near you for expert advice to learn more about tooth extraction aftercare tips.