A tooth extraction is a dental procedure wherein the tooth is completely removed from its socket. After injecting local anesthesia, which numbs the area of the tooth to be removed, the dentist will use forceps to gently wiggle the tooth and remove it from the jaw bone. Then, a blood clot will form in this place, and the dentist will place a gauze pad into the socket to stop the bleeding.
Since tooth extraction is one of the most feared dental procedures, it will be helpful if you ask the dentist questions that are bothering you. The assurance from the dentist will help you calm down before and during the extraction. In this post, we at Laguna Dental Center will teach you how to prepare for a tooth extraction.
What Should You Do Before Tooth Extraction?
It’s normal to feel nervous if you are to undergo a tooth extraction procedure. Properly preparing yourself mentally and physically for the procedure will reduce your anxiety.
Consult a Dentist
Do not be afraid or hesitant to ask your dentist questions about the procedure. Knowing the answers beforehand will help you understand the procedure and will reduce your anxiety. Before you meet with your dentist about the tooth extraction, make a list of questions you want to ask. This will ensure that you fully understand the procedure.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Tooth Removal?
Some questions that you can ask your dentist before tooth extraction are listed below.
- What happens during a tooth extraction?
- What type of anesthesia will be required?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What medications will be prescribed?
- How long will the healing take?
No question is too silly. It is your right to know the details involved with the treatment.
Talk About Your Medical History
Your medical conditions and the medications you take help the dentist decide what type of local anesthesia he or she will administer. It’s important that you disclose this information completely.
These medical conditions include:
- History of bacterial endocarditis
- Congenital heart defect
- Any mechanical or bio heart valves
- Liver disease
- Artificial joint replacements
- Impaired immune system
The conditions listed above can make a patient susceptible to infection. It is also important to include a list of all the current medications so that the dentist can avoid possible drug interactions. Patients taking blood thinners are recommended to stop taking them before their appointment to minimize the risk of bleeding during and after the dental procedure. Blood thinners prolong the healing time.
Anesthesia or Sedatives
Tooth extractions and other dental procedures are often done with sedation. Dental providers find that the use of anesthesia is an excellent option for people with dental anxiety. Sedatives also make patients more comfortable during a tooth extraction. It is important for the dentist to discuss with the patient what type of sedation will be used. Some patients know which type of anesthesia works well for them or what types to avoid. Tell the dentist any side effects you experienced with anesthesia, if any. The dental provider will prepare a medication plan that will make you comfortable, but not at risk.
Insurance Coverage
The ideal time to fully understand your insurance is before the procedure. Talk to your insurance company to make sure they will cover the tooth extraction. You don’t want to deal with insurance claims and unexpected bills while you’re recovering from a tooth extraction.
Avoid Eating Before Tooth Extraction Procedure
Generally, you should not eat anything 12 hours before a tooth extraction. This will prevent nausea during and after tooth extraction. You may not need to fast if local anesthetic will be used. Just seek the advice of your dentist before the treatment. Tell your dental provider if you’re a diabetic to know if the dentist will allow you not to fast.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
It is important to wear comfortable, loose, fitting clothes during the procedure. Some dentists recommend wearing old clothes to minimize damage or discomfort in case accidental staining happens. The dentist may also require you to wear short-sleeved shirts when necessary.
Other things to keep in mind are listed below.
- Don’t wear jewelry
- Avoid contact lenses
- Don’t wear dark lipstick
- Avoid perfumes and body sprays
- Pull hair away from the face
- Bring some chopsticks to keep your lips moisturized
Bring a Companion on the Day of Your Tooth Extraction
After anesthesia, you won’t be able to drive your car or get home by yourself alone. Therefore, ask a member of the family or a friend to accompany you and bring you home. Otherwise, you have to wait at the dentist’s office until it is already safe for you to leave, if you don’t have a companion. Another thing that you can do is call a cab.
Doing the things listed above will make things easier for you, not just before but even after a tooth extraction. It will also ensure that the tooth extraction will be successful and complication-free.
How to Mentally Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?
Thinking about tooth extraction often gives patients a nightmare. Such fear is not easy to get along with. Tooth removal can be very stressful, not only physically but also mentally. Therefore, you have to make the necessary preparations before you go to the dentist for tooth extraction.
Do Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises were found to be helpful before and during a dental procedure. While doing these exercises, your focus is on your breathing instead of the procedure being done to you. When you practice deep breathing, your body enjoys generous supply of oxygen. As a result, you feel less tensed and more relaxed.
Hold your breath for three seconds, then slowly release your breath for five seconds. As you exhale, you’re blowing out all the tension you have about the procedure.
Listen to Music
Music therapy helps patients with dental anxiety to remain calm before and during the dental procedure. By listening to music on their way to the clinic, patients can stay in their proper frame of mind, leaving their anxiety behind.
Practice Meditation Techniques or Yoga
Meditation is a technique used to train one’s awareness or consciousness. Meditation helps the person to focus his mind. For busy people, their bodies’ sympathetic nervous system is constantly activated. The sympathetic nervous system protects us with “the fight or the flight” response. However, with it being constantly activated make us always be in a low level of stress. Meditation helps to activate our parasympathetic nervous system making the body feel more relaxed and less stressed. Moreover, avoiding strenuous physical activities before the extraction will make you more relaxed during the procedure.
What Not to Do Before Tooth Extraction?
The dentist will tell you not to eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before the procedure if you are to undergo sedation. For diabetics, ask the dentist if you need to fast also. For patients who need to take medication, use a small sip of water only, if possible. Following this instruction will prevent any risk of aspiration during surgery. Smokers are also advised not to smoke 12 hours before and 24 hours after the surgery.
Can I Take a Painkiller Before Tooth Extraction?
Yes, taking painkillers before a tooth extraction can be an effective strategy to delay the onset and reduce the intensity of pain. NSAID drugs like Ibuprofen is one of the most common painkillers prescribed by a dentist to take before tooth extraction.
Dr. Ronald Ayzin at Laguna Dental Center specializes in tooth extractions. Reach out to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ronald Ayzin is dedicated to providing gentle and effective extractions for all patients. Contact now to learn more about our tooth extraction services.
