No one wants to have a tooth extracted, but sometimes extractions are necessary. If you’re facing this procedure, you can rest assured that it’s fully necessary, as dentists strive to keep natural teeth if at all possible. Even with the best dental care, you may not be able to save a tooth, or it may need to be extracted to fix issues with crowding. The preparations you make before the procedure can help it go smoothly.

Do the Required Pre-Extraction Prep

Your dentist in Fort Myers, FL, will advise you about the preparations to make before the procedure. You may need to start some antibiotics if the tooth that’s being extracted is infected, and you may need to brush and floss before arriving. Don’t take over-the-counter pain medication prior to your procedure unless advised because our team at Catlin Dental Group may prescribe prescription pain relief.

Choose Your Sedation Option

Talk to your dentist about the best sedation option for your extraction. You might choose nitrous oxide gas or oral conscious sedation if you don’t want to “go under.” Some people benefit from IV sedation, but if you choose this option, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.

Prepare for Care After the Procedure

The steps you take after the procedure are actually more important than the steps you take before your extraction. You’ll need to rinse the area with mouthwash several times daily and take all prescribed medications. Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days, and don’t drink from a straw for a few weeks. Eat a diet of soft foods for the first few days as well.

Many of these preparation steps and questions are best handled with advice from your dentist in Fort Myers, FL. Reach out to Catlin Dental Group to learn more about your options.