Unfortunately, all of us will eventually have to undergo a tooth extraction at some point during our lives. While we all do our best to avoid losing a permanent tooth, age and wear and tear on our enamel over time often leads to decay or cavities that are so severe that there is no way to save the tooth. A tooth that gets severely broken during an accident or injury is also only treatable through extraction in many cases.
Talk to Your Dentist
The most important step you can take in preparing yourself for a tooth extraction is to speak with your dentist. Let the dentist know if you are on any medications. It is also a good idea to disclose any current health issues that you might be experiencing, such as systemic disorders. You should also let your dentist know if you have an artificial heart valve or artificial joint.
Arrange For Someone to Accompany You
Tooth removal almost always involves the use of heavy anesthesia. In most cases, your dentist will ask you to sign an agreement stating that you will not be driving yourself home or operating any heavy equipment after the procedure. It is always advisable that you arrange for someone to accompany you to the procedure so that they can drive you home afterward.
Hydrate Yourself
One of the best ways to combat the sometimes unpleasant side effects from anesthesia is to make sure that your body is really well hydrated. With plenty of fluids in your body, your system will be in a better state to process and remove the anesthesia from your system once your procedure is finished. Your immune system will also not be inhibited from dehydration, so the healing process can begin much more quickly.
Free up 24 Hours to Rest
It is highly recommended that once your tooth extraction procedure is completed, that you give your body at least 24 hours to rest. This small one day rest period will jump-start your immune system and give your body a chance to start healing itself. After a tooth is extracted there will be some minor bleeding and soreness in the area, so there will be some healing that needs to take place. The 24 hour resting period will also give your body plenty of time to fully recover from the effects of the anesthesia.
Mountain View Dental Can Help
Our friendly and experienced staff can help you prepare for tooth extraction in a manner that puts you at ease. We follow a set protocol in order to thoroughly screen each patient to make sure that they are fully prepared for tooth removal. Going into such a procedure will all of the necessary information is the best way to get through it without any stress or concern. We will also help you deal with any post-procedure concerns that you might have, as we want you on the road to healing as quickly as possible.
For any questions or concerns on how to prepare for tooth extraction procedures, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
