Specialty dentists do everything possible to save a person’s natural teeth. There are some circumstances, however, that require you have a tooth pulled. The most often reason is needing to have your wisdom teeth removed. They seem to cause the most problems, often because there is no room for them to grow. Other reasons that might require you to think about tooth extraction preparation are if you have a cracked or broken tooth or a cavity that is too large for the tooth to be saved. One of the reasons many people are scared to have a tooth pulled is that they do not know what to expect. Your dentist will explain the entire procedure to you before performing an extraction. What you can do is be prepared to make it easier.
Dress Comfortably
Loose-fitting, older clothes are best. You will want to avoid wearing lipstick or any cologne or jewelry. If you have contact lenses, it would be better to leave them at home and wear regular glasses if possible. Pull your hair back from your face, so it doesn’t get in the way. Leave your jewelry at home.
Avoid Eating
While your doctor may not suggest it, it is better to avoid eating anything for twelve hours before the tooth extraction. Sometimes the anesthetic will cause nausea, and food may make it worse.
Get Proper Foods
You can also do tooth extraction preparation to make sure you have plenty of soft foods at home. These can be gelatin, pudding, broths, and foods like mashed potatoes. You will need to be on a soft food diet for a day or two to give the gums time to heal.
Discuss Health History
Your dentist will want to take a health history as part of your tooth extraction preparation. You must let them know of any disorders such as heart or liver disease. Let the office know of any other times you have had anesthesia. If you know what kind, let them know, and let them know of any adverse reactions you may have had. You will also want to discuss the situation if you have a compromised immune system. Finally, if you have artificial parts such as knee replacement or artificial heart valves, you must let the dentist know.
Arrange Transportation
The effects of anesthesia take some time to wear off completely. You won’t be able to drive when you leave the dental office safely. Make sure you have someone with you who can drive or arrange to take a taxi home.
Talk With Your Insurance
Call your insurance in advance to make sure they will cover the procedure. You don’t want to get there the day of the dental procedure and find out it isn’t covered.
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions until you are comfortable with the knowledge that you understand what will happen and how to care for yourself after the extraction. Asking questions is some of the best tooth extraction preparation you can do. This is your mouth, and you have every right to understand exactly what will go on in there.
Trust Lovett Dental Baytown
Here at Lovett Dental Baytown, we perform tooth extractions regularly. We understand that any dental procedure can be scary if you have never gone through it. We will do our best to ease your fears. Contact us at 281-838-8400 for all your dental needs, including having a tooth pulled. When you become familiar with the staff and comfortable asking questions, you will find a visit to our office is far less stressful than you would think. Trust us to get you through this.
