Although it is typically only used as a last resort, tooth extractions might be necessary when dealing with advanced decay or infection. After illness or injury, your teeth may be damaged beyond repair. In this case, a tooth extraction may be recommended. At the office of Valley Alder Family Dentistry, we offer top-notch treatments for patients dealing with advanced pain or decay that other restorative procedures can’t save. Try these tips to prepare for a tooth extraction.
Tips to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
Below, your top-rated cosmetic dentist in Bloomington will offer the best tips to prepare for a tooth extraction the right way. Keep reading to learn about how you can prepare yourself for this procedure that will ultimately lead to better dental health and wellness.
Schedule Your Personal Consultation
By speaking with your trusted dentist one on one, you can have a much better idea of the status of your dental health. Then you will learn why you need an extraction and how it’s going to work. This is the best time for you to ask your dentist questions about the procedure, pain levels, and the steps to recovery that you can get ready for long before the day of your appointment.
Gather Your Buddies for a Ride
On the day of your tooth extraction procedure, you should prepare for a bit of pain and discomfort after the procedure. Arrange for a ride home as you may receive an anesthetic during treatment that will make you groggy afterward. You will need someone to take you home and help you recover for the rest of the day.
Know What the Procedure Entails
Did you know that there are a few different types of tooth extractions that your dentist may prescribe? Still, the most common type of extraction includes the use of anesthesia to numb the affected area and the removal of a tooth using forceps. This pulls the tooth out from the root, wiping out injury or infection completely.
After the procedure, you will receive some tools and resources to help you recover. You will need to wear gauze and take a specific medication for at least one week following your tooth removal in order to avoid blood clots and other complications.
Stop Smoking and Drinking
In the days leading up to the procedure, you will want to pay close attention to your diet and health habits. Smoking and drinking could severely impact your body’s ability to heal, complicating the procedure. Smoke also spreads infection through your blood vessels, which can make the results of your extraction ineffective. Make sure you discuss your lifestyle and habits with your dentist before you undergo a tooth extraction.
Identify the Signs That It’s Time for an Extraction
You might know that your tooth needs pulling. You can familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of severe infection and injury. Then you can communicate with your dentist more easily and possibly avoid extraction. Some of the biggest signs include:
- tooth pain
- a loosened tooth
- or a bad tooth infection that has spread beyond just one area of the tooth
Learn More About Tooth Extraction at Valley Alder
Our dental experts are happy to help you learn more about the benefits you can receive when you invest in top-notch tooth extraction in Bloomington today. Whether you are experiencing some of the biggest signs and symptoms of tooth pain, or you are dealing with an advanced form of decay that needs emergency treatment, we have the tools and services ready to help you out.
Get in touch with us ASAP and schedule a personal consultation with our dental pros to learn more about how you can treat yourself to top-notch dental care this year!