02 May How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
Having your teeth removed might seem daunting. Here at COOMSA, we want to make your tooth extraction process comfortable and smooth, and one way to do that is by helping you prepare in advance. This can ease any anxiety while also helping you plan for aftercare.
Speak to Your Dentist
The best way to learn about a tooth extraction procedure is by speaking to your dentist. This might sound simple, but speaking to a professional ahead of the treatment will help put your mind at ease. Your dental professional will answer your questions so you understand what will happen during the tooth extraction.
Ask About Anesthesia
Tooth extraction usually requires an anesthetic to ensure the procedure is as painless as possible. If you’ve had anesthesia before, then you might have experienced some side effects and would like to speak to your dentist about what works best for you.
You should ask your dentist any questions you have about anesthesia to learn more about what to expect as you are sedated.
Medical History
Ahead of your tooth extraction, you will speak to your dentist about your medical history, so it’s important to include as much information as possible. This will alert the dentist of any past problems that may influence the procedure. You want to include a list of all your medications so your dentist can avoid any possible drug reactions.
Medical conditions such as liver disease, a weakened immune system, congenital heart defects, and bacterial endocarditis are also important to share with your dentist before undergoing tooth extraction.
Don’t Eat Before Surgery
In most cases, depending on the type of anesthetic, you will need to stop eating 12 hours before the procedure. This is to prevent any feelings of nausea throughout the tooth extraction process. However, if you have diabetes, make sure that you speak to your dentist, as people with this condition may need to avoid fasting.
If you smoke, you should also stop smoking 12 hours before and 24 hours after the procedure, as it can delay the healing process and cause a serious condition called “dry socket.”
Wear Comfortable Clothing
When you arrive for your tooth extraction, wear something that is comfortable. We recommend wearing a short sleeved t-shirt and removing any jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, and even contact lenses. If you have long hair, tie it up away from your face.
Speak to Us
Preparing for tooth extraction will help you relax in the lead-up to surgery, putting your mind and body at ease. Our dentists are always happy to listen to any concerns you might have, so please get in touch today if you’d like to learn more about how you can prepare for tooth extraction.