How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
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How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
Your dentist has told you that one or more of your teeth need to be removed, so now you’re probably feeling a little nervous about just how to prepare for a tooth extraction. It’s okay. That’s a normal response! Especially if you haven’t had the procedure done before.
Even if you have had a tooth removed in the past, you always want to be properly prepared. So this is a good review for you, too.
Preparing for an extraction is relatively simple. And it starts with a conversation between you and your dentist.
Tell your dentist about any and all medications you are taking … both prescribed medications and over-the-counter drugs.
Also tell them about vitamins or supplements you are taking.
You’ll also need to tell them about any and all health conditions you have. For example, they need to know if you have diabetes, a heart condition, high blood pressure, an impaired immune system, or any other diagnosed disease.
Do not hold back information about your health status because you think it doesn’t have an impact on your teeth. Let your dentist decide if it’s relevant to the tooth extraction procedure or not. If it is, they will tell you the steps to take to safely manage your condition before, during, and after the procedure.
Ask your dentist if you should arrange to have someone with you on the day of the procedure to drive you home. Depending on the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving, you may not be in a condition to safely drive after your tooth extraction.
Follow the instructions about fasting before your procedure. Depending on the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving, you may need to refrain from having anything to eat or drink a certain number of hours before your appointment.
If you smoke, it’s generally advised to not smoke before a procedure with anesthesia. So don’t smoke before your tooth extraction.
Tell your dentist if you are experiencing any cold symptoms, or if you had recent nausea and/or vomiting. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
If your dentist has said you shouldn’t drive yourself home, have someone with you as your designated driver.
Tell them if you are experiencing any discomfort, pain, or elevated anxiety. They are there to help you stay calm, relaxed, and free from pain. But they can’t help you unless you tell them.
Tooth extraction is a fairly common oral surgery. Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian is very experienced at it. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.
Even if you have had a tooth removed in the past, you always want to be properly prepared. So this is a good review for you, too.
Preparing for an extraction is relatively simple. And it starts with a conversation between you and your dentist.
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction — The Initial Conversation
Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will ask you a lot of questions. Be completely honest and answer these questions fully.Tell your dentist about any and all medications you are taking … both prescribed medications and over-the-counter drugs.
Also tell them about vitamins or supplements you are taking.
You’ll also need to tell them about any and all health conditions you have. For example, they need to know if you have diabetes, a heart condition, high blood pressure, an impaired immune system, or any other diagnosed disease.
Do not hold back information about your health status because you think it doesn’t have an impact on your teeth. Let your dentist decide if it’s relevant to the tooth extraction procedure or not. If it is, they will tell you the steps to take to safely manage your condition before, during, and after the procedure.
Ask your dentist if you should arrange to have someone with you on the day of the procedure to drive you home. Depending on the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving, you may not be in a condition to safely drive after your tooth extraction.
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction — The Day of the Procedure
Your dentist will tell you if you will be receiving intravenous (IV) anesthesia and/or a local anesthesia at the site of the extraction. If you will be receiving an IV, be sure to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves for easy access to your arm for the IV.Follow the instructions about fasting before your procedure. Depending on the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving, you may need to refrain from having anything to eat or drink a certain number of hours before your appointment.
If you smoke, it’s generally advised to not smoke before a procedure with anesthesia. So don’t smoke before your tooth extraction.
Tell your dentist if you are experiencing any cold symptoms, or if you had recent nausea and/or vomiting. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
If your dentist has said you shouldn’t drive yourself home, have someone with you as your designated driver.
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction — During the Procedure
Trust your dentist and their staff to take care of you during the procedure. They’re trained and experienced. It may be your first tooth extraction, but they’ve successfully completed this procedure multiple times before. (Ask them how many, if you’re curious. It will make you feel better.)Tell them if you are experiencing any discomfort, pain, or elevated anxiety. They are there to help you stay calm, relaxed, and free from pain. But they can’t help you unless you tell them.
Tooth extraction is a fairly common oral surgery. Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian is very experienced at it. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.
