Preparing for a Tooth Extraction
If there’s one thing that seems to scare dental patients more than any other, it’s finding out that they need a tooth extraction. That’s perfectly understandable, of course, since most of us are hard-wired to avoid pain wherever possible. When your tooth is so damaged from injury or decay that it’s beyond saving, however, an extraction is often the only option. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make the fear any less of a concern. You can minimize some of that worry by properly preparing for your tooth extraction.
Make Sure that Costs are Covered
It’s always important to make sure that you know how the procedure will be paid for prior to your surgery. Different dental plans vary in the type of things that they cover, so you should take steps to find out whether your insurer will pay for the procedure. That can help to prevent any nasty surprises after your surgery is complete. That added peace of mind can help to ease any stress that you might be feeling about your pending extraction.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you’re uneasy about having a tooth removed, be sure to consult in detail with your dentist. She and her team can provide you with all the information you need to better understand the surgery, aftercare, and tooth replacement options. Remember, the only pointless question is the one that goes unasked! Make a list of all the questions that you want answered; the staff at your dental office will be more than happy to get you the information you need.
Clear Your Schedule
In many cases, it is wise to try to schedule dental surgery during a lull in your busy schedule. Many people need extra rest to recuperate after any kind of surgery, and extractions can be traumatic for some. If possible, ask your employer for personal time so that you can focus on healing for one or two days after the procedure.
Arrange Transportation if Necessary
A tooth extraction may seem minor, but different people react to surgery in different ways. As a precaution, you should ask a friend or family member to provide transportation to and from the dental clinic on the day of your procedure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Follow All Instructions
Your dentist will provide instructions for the surgery and its aftermath. They may include a period of fasting, abstinence from liquids, and so on. In addition, the healing process requires that you adhere to an appropriate aftercare plan. Your dentist will go over that care, providing instructions about a range of different concerns. Follow those instructions, and your recovery will be a lot smoother.
At Ebenezer Dental, we know how concerning any surgery can be. That’s why we want to ensure that all our patients have the information needed to maintain peace of mind during any dental surgery. If you’d like to know more about how the best dentist in midtown Manhattan can help you prepare for your tooth extraction, give us a call today.