There are many reasons your dentist might order a tooth extraction. If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, your dentist might call upon the services of an oral surgeon. Even healthy teeth require pulling out sometimes, such as unruly wisdom teeth or dental implants.
Did your dentist tell you to schedule a tooth extraction, stat? Find out how to prepare for the procedure and ensure minimal discomfort.
What is a tooth extraction?
Simply put, a tooth extraction is when an oral surgeon removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Most extractions are simple with a specialist using forceps to pull out the tooth. However, some procedures may require cutting into the gum or bone. The latter happens in more complex cases, such as an impacted tooth.
When do I need a tooth extraction?
Dentists recommend tooth extractions when the tooth is damaged beyond repair. This can be due to decay, infection, gum disease, trauma, or overcrowding.
Regardless of why you need an operation, here are some ways to prepare for a successful tooth extraction.
How to prepare for a tooth extraction
Know your preop instructions.
Your dentist will most likely have a preoperative and postoperative plan in place for you. Prepare a list of questions so you can discuss any alternative options and clarify misunderstandings you might have about your tooth extraction. Getting answers will also help put you at ease and give you the peace of mind you need before the big day.
Give accurate medical history.
The oral surgeon will inquire about your medical history. They will want to know any crucial details, especially anything related to heart issues, bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, or immune-related conditions. Being thorough will prevent potential complications and allow your dentist to give you a more comprehensive surgical plan.
Decide which anaesthetic you prefer.
Your oral surgeon or dentist might use local or topical anaesthesia for simple tooth extractions. However, more major work might require general anaesthesia. Ask your dentist about your options if you’re uncomfortable about seeing blood or being put under with anaesthesia.
Also, familiarise yourself with the type of painkillers that your dentist plans to prescribe. Identify those that have worked well for you or triggered a negative reaction. It’s wise to do your homework before the procedure to avoid a difficult recovery.
Arrange for transportation.
Having someone with you for your tooth extraction is nice for moral support, but the real need comes when you can’t drive yourself home. If you don’t find anyone to pick you up after your procedure, hire a cab in advance to take you home. While you’re at it, ask someone to look after your kids or take over any household work so you can focus on getting the rest you need. Take a few days off work, too. You will have to limit talking or other strenuous activities after surgery.
If you play your cards right, maybe you can stretch your recovery time out a little longer to catch up on that Netflix series you bookmarked.
Don’t eat before surgery.
Now that you know what you should do, it’s natural to wonder: What should you not do before tooth extraction? Eating is typically off the table. Be prepared for your dentist to instruct you to do a 12-hour fast before your schedule. It’s unnecessary if you’re getting local anaesthesia but ask your dentist if you need to avoid anything before the procedure anyway.
Smoking is also not advised 12 hours prior and 24 hours after. It will increase your risk of developing a dry socket in your mouth, which can be painful and might affect healing.
Go through your aftercare beforehand.
Adequate preparation for post-surgery care can help make tooth extraction less painful. Go through your dentist’s instructions carefully. Stock up on the items you need early. Some of the precautions might include:
- Taking painkillers when necessary
- Icing the extraction site for 10 minutes on the first day
- Bed rest
- Eating a soft diet
- Rinsing your mouth with warm water and salt solution the next day
Whether it’s doing the groceries, sticking ice packs in the freezer, or going for a painkiller run, secure your recovery kit ahead of time so you’re not scrambling for things when you’re groggy and incapacitated.
Get a good night’s sleep.
It might be easier said than done since you’re probably going to be a ball full of nerves the night before your operation but getting a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep before your surgery will help calm any anxieties you might have about your tooth extraction. Arrive earlier than scheduled to settle in and relax before game time.
You might need to go through a tooth extraction at some point in your life. For instance, did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates in the world of hospitalisation for third-molar extractions?
Premolar extraction is one of the strategies to resolve overcrowding, which can make you more prone to decay and cavities, bad breath, and even enamel damage. It also creates space for teeth alignment. Consult your dentist if you need to follow up your treatment with dental aligners, such as ClearCorrect.
ClearCorrect uses a ground-breaking ClearQuartz material that pushes your teeth firmly but gently in place. These aligners are clear and thin, with a high, flat trimline – a combination of features that make them subtle and comfortable to wear all day. Find out if you’re a ClearCorrect candidate with this quick quiz.
You don’t have to be afraid of tooth extraction. Follow these tips to make the process easier – and hey, you might just end up with better, straighter teeth than before.
References:
The Healthy Journal – Gluten, Dairy, Sugar Free Recipes, Interviews and Health Articles. (n.d.).
