Essential Tips on How to Get Ready for an Extraction

No one is ever excited to get a tooth extraction; however, when our dentist in Queen Creek, AZ, recommends it, there is no other way. A dental extraction is a standard procedure that our family dentist near you performs to remove a damaged or whole tooth.

It is essential to undergo a dental extraction when you have alignment issues and are preparing for orthodontic treatment, have tooth decay, or the tooth is damaged due to trauma. A tooth can sometimes be pulled even before it erupts, which is the case with impacted wisdom teeth.

In any case, undergoing a tooth extraction can be quite a stressful experience. However, if you prepare for the procedure before time, it might be much easier. Here are some pointers that our dentist near you has prepared for you:

1. Always Ask Questions

During your visit, our dentist will look at your teeth to determine whether you need an extraction. Also, the examination is necessary to ascertain the type of extraction appropriate in your case. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

It is better if you make a list of all the concerns that you have beforehand. There is no better opportunity for you to understand the basics of tooth extractions.

Therefore, don’t think that there is any question that would be deemed foolish. It’s our honor to ensure that you are comfortable and understand what you are signing up for. After all, it’s your body; you have the right to know what will be involved in the treatment.

2. Compile Your Medical History

Sharing your medical history with our family dentist near you is also a critical step during your preparation phase. Leave no details out. Some of the things that you can include are:

• History of bacterial endocarditis
• Impaired immune system
• Liver disease
• Any bio or mechanical heart valves
• Congenital heart defect
• Artificial joint replacements

It is also vital that you include a full list of the medications you are taking, even if they are herbal supplements. This will help our dentist know if any drug interactions can cause undesirable side effects.

If you are using blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them before getting your teeth pulled. Blood thinners will increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure and also prolong your healing.

3. Discuss With Our Dentist About Painkillers and Anesthesia

Before the procedure commences, you will most likely be given anesthesia or sedation. This is done to ensure that you don’t feel pain while our dentist in Queen Creek, AZ, is extracting your tooth. It’s vital to discuss with our dentist the substances that will be used during extraction.

If you know what works for you, the better, or if you have been sedated before or used anesthesia, let our dentist know how your experience was and the side effects. The whole idea is to ensure that you are not at risk and that your experience is complication-free.

Also, you will receive some painkillers to aid you with tooth extraction relief. If you have a preference, this would be the right time to let our dentist know.

4. Organize Transport and Care

Since you will be under some form of anesthesia or sedation, by no means should you drive yourself home! Your reflexes will be impaired even though you received local anesthesia. So, plan with a family member or friend to take you home after the procedure.

It would also be wise if you don’t go to work for a day or two, and if you have kids, arrange for childcare.

Plus, your diet will change for a few days; therefore, get some soft foods prepared.

5. Don’t Eat Before the Surgery

Technically, you shouldn’t eat anything for 12 hours before undergoing an extraction. This aids in nausea management during and after the procedure. If you know you have a condition that doesn’t allow you to stay long hours without food, like diabetes, please inform our dentist.

6. Insurance

Talk to the insurance company before your appointment to ensure that the procedure will be covered. You don’t want to deal with unexpected bills and recover insurance claims when the procedure is over.

7. Post-Extraction Care

Post extraction care is essential since this will help you have an easier time when you are healing. It will also help reduce the chances of inflammation and infection. It is normal to feel pain and have slightly swollen gum. However, if you follow the guidelines, you will heal as expected.

Now that you know how to get ready for tooth extraction contact us at Alexander Family Dental to schedule an appointment.