Before going through any kind of operation, it’s important to prepare. A tooth extraction might not be as complicated as some other procedures, but there are some things you can do to make the operation and your recovery much easier.
1. Inform Dentist of Medical History – The dentist needs to know about any medical issues you might have (such as heart or blood conditions). They can cause complications during surgery or recovery, especially when trying to stop postoperative bleeding. Medications can also interact with anaesthetics or antibiotics, and dentists need to know which medications you are on to determine the drugs they can use or must avoid.
2. Arrange Transportation – Anaesthetic can leave you too impaired to drive yourself home, so arrange for transportation after the operation. It would be best to have a friend or family member drive you as it can be risky taking a cab or public transportation while recovering from anaesthesia.
3. Take Antibiotics – Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics for you before the surgery. This is likely to be the case if you have a weakened immune system. If you have an illness, especially a cold or gastrointestinal illness, inform your dentist. They may decide it is better to postpone the appointment until you are well.
4. Refrain from Smoking – If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking before and after the surgery. Smoking can cause clotting blood in your mouth to become dislodged, resulting in a dry socket and possibly considerable pain. Avoid smoking until your dentist tells you that the extraction site has recovered and smoking won’t cause damage.
Before scheduling surgery, plan your post-operative care. Some simple things can make recovery smoother, such as:
- Planning Meals – The extraction site will be sore after the operation, so stick to soft, room-temperature foods to avoid irritating it.
- Minding the Site – Avoid drinking with a straw, which can suck clotting blood out of the extraction site and leave you with a dry or bleeding socket. Also be mindful when brushing around the site itself; a toothbrush can dislodge the scab.
- Using Ice Packs – Facial swelling is a frequent side effect of oral surgery. Apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling, as needed, for two to three days.
While tooth extraction may seem intimidating, taking these actions can make it much easier. If you need a reliable dentist for oral health, contact Lambton Family Dental at (519) 344-5747.