For many patients, tooth extractions are a daunting prospect. One way to reduce dental anxiety before a tooth extraction is to pick your dentist's brain before the surgery. Your dentist will then be able to put your mind at ease before your appointment.
Before your dental extraction appointment, ask your dentist the following questions.
1. What type of sedation will you use?
In most cases, dentists use local anaesthesia for simple tooth extractions. A local anaesthesia is an injection into the area of the extracted tooth. However, in some cases, such as when a patient is anxious, or when an extraction might be longer or more complicated than usual, a dentist may choose to use nitrous oxide or general anaesthesia.
By asking this question before your operation, you can help your dentist to choose a sedative that you are comfortable with.
2. Will the tooth extraction hurt?
Pain is one of the biggest concerns in regards to tooth extraction. In most, cases, patients only feel minor pain with tooth extractions. And this is especially true when the dentist uses a sedative. If pain is a big worry of yours, your dentist can suggest a stronger sedative.
3. What precautions do you need to take during your recovery?
After tooth extraction, the site of the extraction will be sensitive and vulnerable for about two weeks. For instance, you need to ensure that you protect the blood clot in the healing extraction site in order for your gum to heal properly. Your dentist will suggest good oral habits to protect the area while it heals.
4. Will you need to arrange a lift home?
The answer to this question depends on the sedative the dentist uses during your extraction. In general, you can drive home after a local anaesthetic or nitrous oxide. But ask for your dentist's advice no matter what sedative you take.
5. Will you be able to replace the extracted tooth?
Most patients want to replace their extracted teeth at some point in the future. Your dentist will be able to help you decide how best to replace your tooth later. And if you have any issues, such as gum disease, your dentist will suggest treatments before you can replace your tooth.
6. How soon can you replace the extracted tooth?
In some cases, you can replace a tooth with a dental implant immediately after an extraction. But if there is damage to the bone around the extraction site, you may need a bone graft first. Your dentist can help you decide on a suitable timeline for tooth replacement.
These questions are some of the most common questions that patients ask before a tooth extraction. But whatever you want to know about your upcoming tooth extraction, be sure to ask your dentist before your appointment, so you can prepare accordingly.
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