It’s one of the oldest and most common procedures offered at dental offices. Yet, many people still don’t know much about tooth extractions. Knowing what to expect ahead of your procedure can better equip you to manage the aftercare in the days following your tooth extraction. Take a look at some of the top things you should know ahead of having a tooth extraction.
You May Need to Take Antibiotics Beforehand
Your dentist will ask you about your general health before your procedure. But it that part of the conversation is missed or glossed over, you’ll need to let your dentist know if you have a compromised immune system. If so, you’ll likely need to take antibiotics in the days leading up to your procedure to help ensure you don’t develop an infection after the extraction.
The Procedure Won’t Be Painful
You won’t need general anesthesia to get through your procedure comfortably. You’ll only need local anesthesia. After a quick shot to the gums, you won’t feel any pain at all as your dentist carefully extracts the tooth. The anesthesia will last you throughout the procedure. By the time it starts to wear off, you’ll be finished with your appointment and will only need over-the-counter painkillers to manage any discomfort that arises as the extraction site heals.
You Can Expect Swelling for a Few Days
Don’t panic if you notice swelling at the tooth extraction site. It’s normal and there are lots of things you can do to manage the swelling until it subsides a day or two later:
· Keep your head elevated to minimize the blood pressure put on the extraction site
· Apply a bag of ice to the area of the jaw where the tooth was extracted. You should ice it in intervals of about ten minutes, taking about the same about of time in remove the ice pack
· Take your over-the-counter painkillers, which should also have anti-inflammatory properties to bring down the swelling
· Get plenty of rest to promote healing
Learn More About Getting a Tooth Extraction in Brownstown, MI
Take a moment to schedule a consultation with a local dentist to learn more about your options for getting a tooth extraction in Brownstown, MI.