About 70 to 80% of people have their wisdom teeth extracted. And then other teeth sometimes need to be removed too, so you’re not alone. If you have to go through tooth extractions, you’re probably a bit nervous, and that’s understandable.
While having a tooth extracted is perfectly safe, it is still a big procedure and does require some prior and post planning. If you can prepare ahead of time, make a plan about what you need, and don’t go into the procedure without having asked all the necessary questions.
Pre-Surgery Plans
Before you go in for tooth extraction, you can make a certain amount of plans ahead of time unless it’s an emergency tooth extraction. You can get all the details about the actual procedure from your local oral surgeon, and understand what to plan for.
If you are being put under for the extraction you may need to fast ahead of time, and this can be done for a wisdom tooth extraction. If it’s only a local anesthetic you may not need to fast as much. You should plan to rest for several days following, and buy lots of easy-to-eat foods that don’t require a lot of chewing.
Plan to arrive early to your appointment in comfortable clothing. You may also want someone else to drive you since you will likely be a bit woozy after the procedure. Also, make sure you are clear on the tooth extraction cost and have a payment plan prepared.
Your Extraction Procedure
The exact procedure will depend on why you are getting the tooth or teeth removed. Are you getting a wisdom tooth extraction? Or do you have a tooth that is infected and needs to get taken out?
An impacted tooth will be a more intense procedure and may require stitches. It will also be more expensive. Talk with your oral surgeon about what your extraction entails and how best to prepare for that specific situation.
Post-Procedure
After you’ve had a tooth extracted you have a blood clot form in the area that you want to leave undisturbed. Ice that side of your face off and on, and get plenty of rest that first day.
You don’t want to use a straw for the first day or two because the blood clot could come loose and expose the bone. It is best to leave that area of your mouth alone for at least the first 24 hours, and take pain medication as prescribed by your oral surgeon.
Typical Tooth Extractions
Getting tooth extractions can feel daunting, scary, and stressful. But it is a very common procedure, and you will get through it. What is most helpful is to prepare ahead of time.
Ask your surgeon plenty of clarifying questions, and get everything ready for your recovery after. This way you will be and will feel prepared. And if this helped you better understand how to get ready for an extraction, keep reading for more good tips.
