How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

People requiretooth extractions in Athena TX for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common ones include removing a wisdom tooth, preparing for orthodontic treatment, and removing a tooth with extensive damage or decay.

What to Expect Before You Have Your Tooth Extracted

Before Dr. Briggs, Dr. Florence, or Dr. Rojas decide to remove a tooth, they will meet with you to go over your medical history and take several X-rays. Be sure to bring a list of all the medications you take to this appointment, including vitamins and over-the-counter pain relievers. The reason this is important is that the medications you take could affect how the anesthesia you receive before having your tooth removed affects you.

The Day Before Your Oral Surgery

You need to abstain from all foods and beverages for about eight hours before your procedure, but your dentist will let you know the exact timeframe. You should continue to take your medications with a small sip of water unless your dentist advises you to wait until after the tooth extraction. If you have a weakened immune system or have recently been sick, you will need to take an antibiotic pill several hours before your surgery.

Your Tooth Extraction Appointment

When you arrive for your appointment, you will receive anesthesia to block the pain receptors in your teeth and gums. Your dentist then removes the tooth with a piece of equipment called a dental elevator. Once the tooth is out, you need to bite down on a gauze pad and replace it with a clean one when it becomes soaked with blood. Plan to take pain relievers and consume a soft foods diet for a few days as you recover from the procedure.

Please contact us with questions or if you feel that you requiretooth extractions in Athens TX.