Like many other medical procedures, preparing for a tooth extraction appointment, can cause some people a great deal of anxiety. You may find yourself standing in front of the mirror staring in agony at the very tooth you plan on having removed. Thankfully, Dr. Jared Schmitt and the team at Seaglass Dental Care are here to help put your mind at ease! At Seaglass Dental Care we strive to provide the utmost care for our patients leaving you with a positive experience with each dentist visit. In this article we will be covering some of the simple methods you can utilize to help prepare for a dental extraction appointment.

1. Share your Medical History with your Dentist

Your oral health isn’t the only important factor when preparing for a tooth extraction. In addition to your dental history it is vital for the dentist to have a good understanding of your general health and history. Be sure to inform your dentist if you have any of the following conditions prior to your appointment: diabetes, hypertension, renal disease, thyroid disease or any other major health problems. Providing this information to your dentist may also assist in preventing infections or aid in avoiding to aggravate any underlying conditions.

This information will help your dentist determine the best course of action to take for your treatment. Not all people’s bodies and health are the same, therefore your medical history is vital information when preparing for a tooth extraction or many other dental procedures. Depending on your history or health the dentist may decide to use varying levels of anesthesia or different methods for performing your procedure.

2. Determine if a Dental Extraction is Necessary

An important step in preparing for a tooth extraction is knowing exactly why it is necessary. In a mild case where the tooth is a bit broken or damaged due to decay, receiving a crown or filling may be able to fix it. But if the dentist recommends an extraction, it’s because the damage is likely beyond repair.

Additional reasons a tooth may need to be removed include:

• Severe decay which causes an infection in the pulp (center of the tooth).
• An infection in the gums which may damage the jawbone and surrounding areas.
• Impacted tooth – when a tooth is almost or completely blocked from coming out.
• Overcrowding can be a result of various factors, for example, a small jaw that cannot accommodate all the teeth.
• A severe accident that left your tooth broken to a point where it cannot be repaired.

3. Avoid Possible Tooth or Gum Irritants

It is recommended that patients avoid smoking before or after a tooth extraction as smoking can cause adverse effects on the healing process and can cause inflammation of the gums. Certain hard or crunchy foods may also cause inflammation of the gums and are not recommended just prior to an extraction. Complete fasting before a dental extraction may or may not be needed. Consult with your dentist if any fasting should be done. Be sure to take all medications as you normally do unless otherwise instructed.

4. Educate Yourself on the Extraction Procedure

We understand that losing a tooth is a big deal, whether it happens by accident or through a medical procedure. That’s why when preparing for a tooth extraction, you may want to have knowledge, or at least some idea of what will be taking place. There are two main types of tooth extractions, the type of procedure to use will depend on the reason for extraction.

Simple or General Extraction – A simple extraction procedure is done on a visible tooth. It could be a broken tooth, a decaying tooth, or one that is out of place due to overcrowding. The dentist will loosen the tooth with a unique tool called an elevator, then pull it out using forceps.

Surgical Extraction – Is generally more complicated due to certain factors, such as root anatomy or the position in the bone. It can be done on a tooth that is hidden or barely visible, e.g., a tooth that is broken near the gum or one that did not break out of the gum. The surgeon will have to make a small cut in your gums to extract the tooth.[/et_pb_text]

When it becomes necessary to have your teeth removed, never hesitate to have them extracted. With the preparation tips listed above, you can rest assured that everything will work out fine. Your dentist will take good care of you during the procedure and will walk you through all the steps for healing and recovery as well. Dr. Schmitt and the team at Seaglass Dental Care will help ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience at our local North Palm Beach dental clinic. If you believe you are in need of a tooth being pulled, please give us a call at 561-581-5001 or visit us in person at 384 Northlake Blvd, North Palm Beach, FL 33408. You can also book your dental appointment online right here on our website as well!