Discuss Tooth Extractions With Your Dentist

Tooth pulling should never be the first option when dealing with tooth pain. As such, it's important that you discuss your various options at your dental visits. They may fix your problem with a root canal or a filling. 

However, some teeth are too far gone to save. In that case, dental extractions are your best option. 

Ask your oral surgeon or dentist whatever you want to know about the procedure. They should make sure that you fully understand what's going to happen, how to prepare, and how to care for your mouth in the weeks after.

Share Your Medical History

You should always make sure to share your medical history at your first time dentist visit. Don't leave any details out, or it can cause complications later on. 

For example, anesthetics are often used during major dental procedures. Your dental team will need to know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to them. 

Some specifics you should share include any heart issues, liver disease, and an impaired immune system. You'll also want to tell them if you're on any medication such as blood thinners. They may recommend that you stop them before the appointment or change your dosage. 

Painkiller Options

A tooth extraction often includes anesthesia or sedation to reduce your pain and discomfort. This involves putting the patient to sleep and can cause them to have lingering drowsiness after they awaken. Unlike other dental operations, you won't have to be awake during tooth extractions.

However, it's important to let the dentist know if you have had any previous reactions to sedation in the past. 

When the procedure is done, there will be some lingering pain and swelling for up to two weeks. Your dentist should prescribe some painkillers to help you manage while you heal. 

You may have a preference for certain types of painkillers. Keep in mind that painkillers can become addictive depending on the type and dosage.

No Eating or Drinking Day of the Procedure

As with many medical procedures, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for about 12 hours beforehand. This helps you avoid nausea during the procedure and ensure there are no accidents while you're unconscious. You'll also need to let them know if you're diabetic and can't fast for however many hours. 

If you're having a local anesthetic, you may only need a short fast before your treatment. 

In addition, you'll want to avoid smoking or using straws until your mouth has fully healed. Any sucking motion can cause a "dry socket" which is a serious and painful condition. 

Double-Check Your Insurance Coverage

Call your dental insurance provider if you're not sure exactly how much the procedure will cost. You'll also want to make sure that the dental office accepts your insurance.

Generally speaking, a tooth extraction procedure isn't that expensive compared with other procedures like root canals. However, it could still cost you a couple of hundred dollars depending on which teeth are getting removed. 

Front teeth are easier to access and remove. Molars are more difficult and take longer to heal. 

Most dentist's offices have payment plans that you can qualify for. These won't reduce the cost but can help you afford a vital procedure. 

Organize Transportation

The only problem with anesthesia is that it can take a day or two to fully wear off. You will not be able to drive yourself home right after the procedure. Anesthesia can slow your reflexes and your thought process, which makes for a dangerous driver.

It's important that you arrange for someone to take you home when the tooth extraction is done. This can be a family member, a friend, or even an uber. 

Take some time off work if necessary and ask someone to keep an eye on you for the first 24 hours. 

Wear Appropriate Clothing

What you wear to your appointment is also important. Dress comfortably and something you don't mind getting messy. Your IV may drip onto your sleeve and stray fluids aren't uncommon. 

Avoid jewelry that you may lose. Don't wear any dark lipstick or strong perfumes that may interfere with the procedure. Tie your hair away from your face if it's too long. 

It may also be helpful to wear something that slips off easily for when you get home. 

Prepare for Home Care

It helps if you prepare your home in advance for the week to come.

After an extraction, you shouldn't bite down on anything hard. Soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and apple sauce are your friends.

In addition, avoid straws. Using them can cause a blood clot to dislodge and create severe pain. 

Avoid brushing the extraction area and instead, use mouthwash. Something with alcohol in it will help stave off infection. Take any prescribed painkillers and monitor your mouth while it heals.

Create a Healthy Mouth

Nobody likes tooth extractions, but they're a necessary part of keeping the rest of your mouth healthy. Infections can spread and cause serious issues later on. Just make sure to prepare in advance before you schedule an extraction. 

Rice & Associates treats our patients like family. Our services include general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more. Contact us with any questions and to set up a visit.