Having to have a tooth pulled isn’t exactly a trip to Disneyland. However, there are some circumstances where it may be necessary. Whether you have to have a tooth extracted because of decay and infection or because of something like cancer treatment, it’s nice to know what you can expect from both treatment and recovery. To help you feel more relaxed during this procedure, we have created a brief list of tips to follow. Read on to learn more.
Prepare for Anesthesia
Depending on the type of tooth removal we are doing, we may either use a local anesthetic or general anesthesia. With most extractions, a local anesthetic is fine, but if you are having your wisdom teeth removed, we will likely use general anesthesia. Before coming in for your appointment, we will give you instructions on what to eat and drink 24 hours beforehand to prevent the anesthesia from making you sick.
Fill Prescriptions Ahead of Time
Sometimes, your dentist may prescribe you with some antibiotics or painkillers before surgery. For instance, if you have an infection, then your dentist will prescribe you with antibiotics to prevent it from getting worse after the extraction. Whereas, you will be prescribed with painkillers to help you feel more comfortable during recovery. To make your recovery easier, try to fill your prescriptions ahead of time.
Go Grocery Shopping
With any tooth extraction, you will be encouraged to refrain from most solid foods and stick with soft foods for at least a day or two. To help you relax during recovery, try doing some grocery shopping beforehand so that your refrigerator is stocked full of foods you can eat like smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, and pasta.
During your initial consultation with McDowell Dental Group, we will go over all of the things listed above and more— that way you can feel confident about what you can expect from your tooth extraction. To learn more about tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment, contact McDowell Dental Group today!
