Tooth extractions are a common form of outpatient dental surgery and are usually performed when a patient needs their wisdom teeth removed or if a tooth has been badly damaged or severely rotted. Today we’re discussing ways to prepare you for your tooth extraction in San Diego both the day before and the day after the procedure.

Preparing Before Your Tooth Extraction in San Diego.

1. Explain your dental and medical history to your dentist. This can happen in the first dental appointment prior to your surgery when you will have to complete a medical form about your past medical issues and your current situation. Tell your dentist any medications that you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter medications. Some medicines may interfere with others or have contraindications.
2. Make arrangements to get to and from surgery. If you’ll be given general anesthesia during your tooth extraction, you’ll be in no condition to drive yourself home following the procedure. Ask a friend or family member if they’ll be willing to drive you to and from the dentist’s office. If you’ll only be receiving a local anesthetic, you should be able to drive yourself home. Check with your dentist or oral surgeon beforehand, to find out what type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving.
3. Do not eat during the 8–12 hours before your surgery. Although tooth extraction is not an invasive surgery, your dentist will still likely ask you to fast for at least the night before the surgery, especially if you are having a general anesthesia procedure. Local anesthesia does not require a fast. They will give you the precise number of hours that you should fast for. Although you won’t be eating the night before surgery, make sure to stay hydrated.
4. Take all prescription medications as directed. In preparation for your tooth extraction in San Diego, your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe you certain medications. Take these as directed, especially if you’ve been given a painkiller or a medication to alter the coagulation or thickness of your blood. Check with your dentist ahead of time to make sure that medication you’re already taking will not react with any new prescriptions.

Preparing to Return Home Following the Procedure

1. Arrange things for your comfort. After surgery, you’ll still be disoriented and potentially in pain. Before leaving for the surgery, figure out where you plan to spend time once you’ve returned. If you’d like to spend the rest of the day on the couch, lay out everything you’ll need (tissues, DVDs, books or magazines, etc.) ahead of time.
2. Plan to remain sedentary for two days following surgery. It will take roughly 48 hours for the swelling to subside, and you may be in pain or discomfort for the first couple days. Take time off from work, and avoid strenuous activity or any effort required. Spend as much time as possible in bed or on the couch, but do not rest your head on the pillow on the extraction side as this can increase local heat.
3. Ask a family member to keep you company. Should any complications from the surgery arise, it’s best to not be alone after your surgery. You may need assistance moving about your house or apartment, and a family member will be able to keep you safe. If you live alone, see if a friend or out-of-town family member can visit you and keep you company after surgery.
4. Purchase soft foods ahead of time. After the tooth extraction, your mouth will be in no condition to eat hard or crunchy foods. Plan your diet ahead of time, and focus on eating very soft foods, such as soup and yogurt, mashed vegetables such as broccoli or potatoes or even puddings, for the first two days after surgery.

Have any more questions about preparing for your tooth extraction in San Diego? We’re here to help! Call our office today to schedule a consultation and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions and address your concerns.