Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that involves removing a tooth from the bone socket in the jaw. Professionals recommend it if a tooth is broken or damaged beyond repair, causes overcrowding in the mouth, or becomes badly infected due to decay or gum disease. Knowing how to prepare for tooth extraction can ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
Local Start Dental is the place to go if you require tooth extraction services. Located in Durham, NC, we provide experienced and skilled oral surgery and prosthodontic services, making us an excellent choice for tooth extraction. Call 919.569.5533 to learn more about how our talented and qualified team can improve your smile.
What to Expect During Tooth Extraction
Dental professionals recommend extraction when they cannot repair a tooth with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. During the procedure, an oral surgeon or dentist numbs the area to prevent discomfort and uses special tools to loosen the tooth from its socket before pulling it out. Depending on the difficulty of the extraction, they may need to cut away some gum tissue or bone to make it easier to access and remove the tooth. They may also place stitches at the extraction site to promote proper healing. The process is painless and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
After removal, oral surgeons often prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to minimize discomfort. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water twice daily can accelerate healing. You can expect your mouth to heal within several days or weeks with good care following an extraction.
How to Prepare for Tooth Extraction
Preparing for tooth extraction can be intimidating, but it is relatively straightforward with the proper know-how. First and foremost, you must inform your oral surgeon of any medication you take and pre-existing medical conditions you have. This information allows them to assess your case’s best course of action and ensure your safety during the procedure.
Eating and drinking something light before the procedure is also advisable to prevent nausea or dizziness. To reduce discomfort, take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen before arriving at your appointment. At the same time, avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, starting two weeks before the extraction, as this can prevent excessive bleeding following the procedure.
Your surgeon may provide you with a local anesthetic before beginning the extraction; however, in some cases, general anesthesia is required. If you need general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything eight hours before your appointment, as this can prevent serious health risks. In addition, please make sure someone else drives you home, as anesthesia makes it difficult to operate a vehicle safely.
Additionally, adjust your schedule, so you have plenty of time to rest and recover after your appointment. Avoid strenuous activities and stick mainly to light exercises such as walking or mild aerobics until fully healed.
Now that you know what to do before a tooth extraction, you can effectively prepare yourself for this procedure to stay safe and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Seek Tooth Extraction Services at Local Start Dental
If you’re living in Durham, NC and need tooth extraction services, Local Start Dental is the place to trust with this procedure. We provide tooth extraction and a range of other oral surgeries and prosthodontics, ensuring we meet each patient’s needs. We can answer your questions and develop a treatment plan to meet your smile goals.
At Local Start Dental, our team strives to make every patient feel comfortable and safe throughout the procedure. You can be confident that you are receiving expert care from some of the best oral surgeons in the area. Complete our online form, or call us today at 919.569.5533 to discuss your oral health options and schedule an appointment.