Tooth extractions are not something you look forward to. For most people, they can be stressful. However, a great way to combat this stress is to prepare as much as possible before your procedure. Finding a qualified and skilled dentist near you and making sure that all the conditions for the procedure are met, can significantly reduce any risks and complications, as well as ease your mind.
Why are tooth extractions necessary?
The most common reason for undergoing tooth extraction in York is tooth decay. Sometimes, when cavities are left untreated, they can damage your teeth to the point where not even a root canal can help preserve them. Another reason why a tooth may be extracted is when people have crowding. In these cases, extracting a tooth leaves enough space for the rest of your teeth to shift into place and be correctly aligned.
First consultation
When you visit a dental clinic in York, your dentist will take an X-ray of your teeth to assess their state and position. During this consultation, your dentist will ask you a series of questions to better understand your oral health and medical history. After all, tooth extraction may not sound like something too serious, but it is a minor surgical procedure and if the right precautions are not taken, there can be some complications. You will be asked to disclose information about any medications or supplements you are currently taking and any health issues you may have.
Dentists often pay special attention to cardiac conditions such as congenital heart defects, and mechanical heart valves because dental procedures can cause an infection of the heart called endocarditis in these patients. Therefore, if you have any of these conditions, it is vital to disclose this information to your dentist, so that any problems can be prevented with an antibiotic prescription.
Ask away
If you are undergoing tooth extraction near you, you should clear all your doubts with your dentist in York. The best moment to do so is during the initial consultation. All questions are valid and knowing more about the procedure will ultimately make you feel more at ease. Something that you should pay special attention to is what kind of anesthesia the dentist plans on using. If you are fearful of the procedure and believe you would benefit from some mild sedation, or if you have a specific preference, you should discuss it with your dentist.
The day of the surgery
The first thing you need to do is try to relax. This can be difficult, especially when you are afraid of dentists. However, a way to reduce your stress is to have the entire day planned out. One of the most important things to plan is your transportation. After this procedure, you won’t be able to drive back home no matter what type of anesthesia is used. Therefore, you will have to ask a family member or a friend to pick you up from your dental clinic in York and take you home.
You will have to fast
Whenever people undergo a tooth extraction procedure, they are asked not to eat anything for 12 hours before the surgery. This is a way to reduce nausea during the intervention. Tooth extraction can be a pretty hands-on procedure and having a full stomach during the surgery is not the greatest idea.
Get comfortable
Don’t think too much about what you are going to wear to the procedure. Just wear something very comfortable and loose-fitting. Also, since you may need an IV, you should wear a short-sleeved shirt. Don’t focus too much on fashion and just wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Remember you will be lying on a chair for some time, so this isn’t a time to wear tight or awkward fitting clothes.