How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction Treatment?

Tooth loss used to be exciting back when we were kids. Unfortunately, it’s not the same case when you turn into an adult and grow wisdom teeth. A tooth extraction procedure can be stressful, and only a few people fancy it. However, the procedure is usually recommended when it’s extremely necessary when your spring dentist has found other options unsuitable. We will give you tips on how to prepare for tooth extraction treatment so you can prepare yourself for tooth removal.

How to Prepare for Tooth Removal

Mental and physical preparation before treatment is necessary as it can help ensure treatment runs smoothly. Below are tips to help you prepare yourself for tooth removal:

• Ask Questions

If it’s your first time undergoing a tooth removal procedure, it’s good to engage your dentist or surgeon on questions concerning treatment. Before consultation, make a list of questions you’d like to ask before treatment commences. This might seem like a minor step, but it is important as it will help you fully understand the procedure you’ll be having, and this will, in turn, help you be mentally prepared for what is coming. There’s no such thing as a silly question, so don’t shy away from asking your dentist anything concerning the procedure.

• Prepare Your Medical Records

Your medical history helps us understand you better so that we can provide the best treatment possible per your needs. Disclose anything pertaining to your medical history and let your doctor decide which information is relevant. Below are a few examples of things to share with your dentist during consultation:

• Health issues that may impair your immune system
• Disclose if you have any congenital heart defects
• Inform your dentist if you have undergone artificial joint replacements
• History of allergic reactions to certain medications

The conditions we listed in the above examples can make you more susceptible to infections. It’s also essential to include a list of medications you are on to avoid possible drug interactions. For example, if you are on blood thinners, your dentist may recommend you stop taking them to reduce the risk of bleeding after treatment.

• Talk to Your Dentist About Sedation

Tooth extraction is typically carried out after the patient has been sedated or given anesthesia. You can ask your dentist which sedation technique will be used during tooth removal. Some patients tend to respond better to specific sedation treatments than others. If you’ve had anesthesia before that didn’t respond well, inform your dentist about it to avoid complications during treatment.

• Don’t Eat Before Surgery

The general rule for most surgical and dental procedures is to avoid eating anything 8-12 hours before surgery. This is a vital step as it helps prevent nausea which may lead to vomiting during treatment. If you’ll be under local anesthetic, fasting may not be necessary. If you have a condition like diabetes and can’t go for long hours without eating, tell your dentist prior to undergoing tooth extraction in Spring, TX. Smoking 12 hours before surgery is not advisable. It’s good you also stay away from smoking post-treatment as it can slow down the healing of mouth wounds.

• Contact Your Insurance Provider

Talk to your dental insurance provider before undergoing treatment. Although most dental insurances cover part or the entire cost of tooth removal treatment, some may not have different packages which may exempt it. If possible, write a description of the procedure you’ll be undergoing with its ICD codes for more clarity.

• Organize Transport

Although the side effects of local anesthesia will start wearing off shortly after treatment, it’s not advisable to immediately jump into your car and drive yourself home. Before treatment, arrange for a family member or friend to take you home after treatment. Alternatively, you can use public transport or have a taxi take you to and from the dental appointment.

Why Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction is usually the last considered option when other treatment options aren’t viable. There are various reasons why your dentist may recommend tooth extraction; below are a few examples:

• When there is irreparable damage to the tooth
• It helps minimize the spread of periodontal disease
• To remove an impacted tooth
• Enhance smile’s appearance by preventing overcrowding
• Relieve dental pain caused by dental infection

How Is Tooth Extraction Safe?

Tooth extraction is a safe procedure when done by a skilled and experienced dentist. Like other surgical procedures, it does have its risks, although rare and minimal. For example, patients may experience minimal dental pain and bleeding from the wound post-treatment. This shouldn’t alarm you as it can easily be controlled through pain medications and using a gauze to stop the bleeding. Your dentist will give you more aftercare instructions to ensure you recover well.

Conclusion

Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure that is safe and painless when done correctly. Although the treatment will lead to tooth loss, it may be necessary to protect adjacent teeth from infection. Visit The Smile Designer of Spring for tooth removal and other dental treatments to safeguard yourself from future dental emergencies.