What to Know Before & After Your Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which the tooth is removed from the mouth. This is suggested at the time of urgent requirement only. Sometimes dental filling or a dental crown and other methods are not sufficient. If the teeth are not in repairable condition then the only choice left is tooth extraction.

What to Know before the Tooth Extraction?

  1. Prior preparation is required – It is important to share your medical history. The dentist will require an x-ray of the affected area. This helps them in making the decision of extracting the teeth.
  2. Oral hygiene – Brushing the teeth before the night of the surgery and in the morning is essential. Try not to interfere with the affected area. Rinsing the mouth with salt water can be helpful.
  3. Not dangerous – Tooth extraction is not harmful, rather it can put you in a better place than before. Ottawa Dentist can quickly do the work. If you are fully prepared, then it can be less stressful.
  4. Not to eat before the surgery – One should eat for 12 hours before the surgery, This will avoid nausea during and after the surgery. If you are suffering from diabetes, you should inform the dentist first. This is because diabetic patients are not allowed to fast.
  5. Anesthesia and Painkillers – During the tooth extraction, the patient is given anesthesia. If you have suffered from any side effects previously, then you should consult your doctor. According to this, the medication plan will be prepared.
  6. Insurance – Before the tooth extraction, one should discuss with the insurance provider about the insurance policy. This is because the particular treatment is covered under the insurance policy or not.

What to Know After the Tooth Extraction?

  1. Medication – Take the medicines which are prescribed by the doctor after the surgery. Antibiotics that are given should be taken regularly and not be skipped. These help in reducing pain and swelling.
  2. Take Rest – After the extraction, one should take as much rest as possible. This is because it will help in recovering fast. While resting, keep the head high on the pillow.
  3. Ice pack – Ice pack should be applied on the side of the face where the tooth extraction is done. After the extraction, swelling may appear on the face. The ice pack will help in reducing swelling. It should be applied for almost 15 minutes.
  4. Brushing the teeth – Brushing and flossing the teeth is important. It prevents further infection. Though a safe distance shall be maintained from the affected area.
  5. Warm saline Rinses – After the surgery, the doctor advises rinsing the mouth with salt water. This can be done after 12 hours of operating. This must be done 4 to 5 times a day to maintain the hygiene of that area.
  6. Don’t smoke – Smoking can increase the chances of infection after the extraction. Ottawa Family Dentist recommends not smoking for at least 48 hours. The chemicals present in cigarettes can cause serious consequences.

Conclusion

A tooth extraction should be the last option for the teeth. It helps to prevent the disease from spreading to other teeth.