Preparing for Tooth Extractions
Everyone undergoes a tooth extraction procedure at one time or another. Teens and adults alike might have their wisdom teeth pulled out, but there are other reasons for teeth removal. These include:
- Excessive tooth decay
- Tooth infection
- Removing one or two teeth to provide room for other teeth when fitting braces
While tooth extraction is a relatively short procedure performed in the doctor’s office, it’s worth preparing for. Tooth extraction can be a stressful affair, especially for people who fear injections and all the dental tools. However, proper preparation can help ease the anxiety and help you relax before, during, and after the procedure.
What to Expect
Tooth extraction is performed by a doctor or oral surgeon with the necessary training for that work. Before removing the teeth, you’ll get an injection of a local anesthetic to make the area numb. Some situations will require the use of strong general anesthesia to prevent pain from spreading throughout the body.
If the tooth is badly impacted, the doctor might have to cut away part of the gum and bone tissue around the tooth. Using forceps, he’ll then get hold of the tooth and rock it gently until it loosens from the jaw bone. In some situations where the tooth is deeply rooted, it might be removed in pieces.
What to Do
Having a tooth extracted may sound like a frightening process. Therefore, the first thing you should do is mentally prepare for the session. Once you know what to expect, what can you do to reduce the anxiety and fear?
Talking to your doctor beforehand can go a long way in calming your fears. Ask for clarification to as many questions as possible to clear all doubts. Your doctor’s reassurance is essential at this time, and you’ll get to see it’s nothing to worry about.
Let your doctor know about your health condition before you undergo the procedure. Let him know if you have any of these conditions:
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disease
- Renal disease
- Diabetes
- Renal disease
- Congenital heart defect
- An impaired immune system
- Adrenal disease
It’s essential to check that these conditions are stable before the tooth extraction procedure. You might have to take antibiotics for a weakened immune system or a specific medical condition.
When coming in for the procedure, consider wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially if you’ll be receiving intravenous anesthesia. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for at least six to eight hours before the appointment. If you have a cold, nausea, or vomiting, let your dentist know as this may call for rescheduling or change of anesthesia.
You can bring your mobile phone and earphones and plug into some soothing music to calm your nerves. Talk to your dentists before the appointment to establish if this is okay. Ensure you bring someone with you to drive you home after the process.
Final Thoughts
Tooth extraction is a process that instills fear in many people, both old and young. However, it doesn’t have to be a horrifying experience. Adequate psychological and physical preparation will help take away the anxiety and make the process smooth.