How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction as an Adult

When we lose teeth as kids, the process doesn’t seem so bad. However, when we become adults, having a tooth pulled can be a little more daunting. Do you have an appointment coming up for a tooth extraction? There are things you can do beforehand to prepare your appointment. Follow these tips! 

When Adults Might Need a Tooth Extraction

As you grow up you might be prepared to get your wisdom teeth removed at a certain point. However, sometimes other teeth in the mouth will need to be pulled during adulthood. Reasons adults might have to have a tooth removed from their mouth include issues like tooth decay, infection, or crowding. If you get braces as an adult, you may need a tooth or multiple teeth pulled to provide room for other teeth as they begin to take their proper place. 

Signs a Tooth Might Need Pulled

Common symptoms you might experience if you have a tooth that needs to be pulled is severe tooth pain and sensitivity and swollen gums near the affected tooth. Further, you might notice that the tooth is already loose, which means an extraction might be needed. Your dentist will examine your mouth and look for signs that extraction is needed, or determine an alternative course of treatment.

How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

If you’re about to have a tooth pulled, or if you just want to know how to prepare just in case, Healthline offers these tips to keep in mind: 

• Make sure your dentist knows about any ongoing medical conditions you currently have. Conditions like heart defects, diabetes, hypertension, impaired immune systems, and more could affect your procedure. Further, you might need different types of antibiotics prescribed. This could be needed if you you have a current infection or certain conditions.
• Wear loose fit clothing if you will be receiving intravenous (IV) anesthesia. Further, don’t drink for six to eight hours before your appointment at the discretion of your doctor. 
• Don’t smoke before your procedure.
• If you are feeling ill the day of your procedure, call to reschedule. Further, let your dentist know if you had nausea or vomiting the night before your scheduled procedure. If so, you may require different anesthesia or rescheduling your appointment altogether. 
• Bring someone with you to drive you home if you are receiving general anesthesia. 

The Procedure

There are a few different ways to have a tooth extracted. First, your dentist may choose to do a simple extraction. During this, your dentist will numb the area and then loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator, then remove it with dental forceps. 

Another common method of tooth extraction is a surgical extraction. If a tooth is broken off at the gumline or isn’t fully grown into the mouth yet, oral surgeons and dentists can perform a surgical extraction. During this, a small incision will be made into the gums and the underlying tooth will be removed. Sometimes, a part of the bone around the tooth will have to be removed or the tooth might have to be cut in half to properly remove it. 

After the Procedure

The way you care for your mouth after a tooth removal often depends on the location of where the tooth was removed. In most cases, you can expect to be fully healed in about 7 days, however, sometimes healing can take a little longer. Your dentist will go over what you need to do at home to prevent developing complications, like a dry socket, which is where a blood clot that was in place becomes dislodged. To speed up healing, your dentist might recommend taking an over-the-counter pain killer, applying ice to the affected area, getting proper rest, and more. 

After your procedure, you will also want to stick to soft foods for a couple of days. Eating soups, smoothies, and similar foods will help promote your healing as you won’t be irritating the wound as much. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you are having tooth pain and believe you might need an extraction, make an appointment today to see Dr. Kevin Varley and our team at Stonebrook Family Dental. Dr. Varley will be able to determine if you need the tooth removed, or if it can be saved through alternative treatment options. Your oral health is our top priority at Stonebrook Family Dental. Make an appointment with us today by calling (303)-872-7907.