If you have a tooth extraction scheduled, it’s only natural to feel nervous or apprehensive about your appointment. Having a tooth pulled out is a common occurrence for many Australians and a regularly practised procedure. Here’s a list of what to expect before, during and after your visit, so you can prepare both physically and mentally and have the process go as smoothly as possible.
1. Often it’s due to necessity
If you are suffering from periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, broken or crowded teeth, or impacted wisdom teeth, then a tooth removal is often necessary. Depending on the severity of the damage, often painkillers aren’t going to do much except temporarily relieve the pain, so a removal will be necessary.
2. Tell your surgeon your medical history
This is super crucial. Ensure your dentist knows what medicines you are currently taking, any allergies you may have and what dental work you have previously had done.
3. There’s no need to be worried
Tooth extraction is our bread and butter at Wisdom Dental. We are backed by years of experience treating patients across both Melbourne and Sydney regions and our professionalism puts even the most nervous of people at ease. Our safe and painless dental care is always performed by a qualified practitioner, and our anaesthetic means that you will be sedated during your treatment to relax you and ease any lingering anxiety you might have.
4. Take painkillers as prescribed
After extraction, it’s so important to keep up with your prescribed medication, especially once your initial dose of painkillers wears off. If you have been put under general anaesthesia or sedation, you will need somebody to escort you home and take care of you while under the influence of pain relief medication. You will need to rule out driving, drinking alcohol, operating machinery and so on for the first few days post-op.
5. Apply ice to stop swelling
To keep down swelling after the procedure, apply an ice bag or pack immediately to the affected area, remembering to switch packs regularly as the cooling sensation wears off, or after about 10-minute intervals. Avoid bleeding by biting down firmly onto the gauze pad provided after extraction, and keep your head elevated when lying down to prevent further bleeding.
6. Keep it clean
It’s so important to maintain proper oral hygiene and care when extraction is completed – and from now on! You might feel numb from the procedure and unable to have full control of your mouth, so take it easy and follow your dentist’s post-op instructions. Abstain from smoking and consuming certain foods or drinks, switching to soft foods, and depending on the type of procedure performed, you may need to maintain stitches or swish your mouth with a salt rinse regularly for the first few days.
Wisdom Dental Emergency are led by head dentist Dr Paulo Pinho and his team of oral surgeons and associates, experienced in performing many tooth extraction surgeries. Discover for yourself what his team can do for your dental problems today. Call us FREE on 1800 WISDOM or visit www.wisdomdentalemergency.com.au.
