How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction can be an office procedure either using local or general anesthesia. The actual procedure takes place only after your dentist prepares you for the extraction during earlier appointments. Once it's time to begin, make sure you have a support team to help at home and take care of you at least that day. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Antibiotics
• Comfortable, short sleeve shirt

Instructions

1. Write down your complete medical and dental history. Include any previous surgeries, medications you have taken and are currently on and any allergies. The dentist wants to know your history prior to the tooth extraction.

2. Prepare to have x-rays taken of all your teeth. Your dentist takes x-ray of the affected tooth, and usually the rest of your teeth during an appointment prior to the extraction.

3. Take antibiotics prescribed. Some dentists prescribe an antibiotic before and after surgery when there's an infection in the tooth roots or gum, or weakened immune system.

4. Wear comfortable clothing the day of the extraction. Using an intravenous anesthesia or receiving a shot of any kind, wear a shirt with short sleeves to leave your arm easily accessible.

5. Get a family member or friend to drive you to the appointment, and ask them to come home with you afterwards to help you until you are feeling comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• An extraction should be done as soon as possible to prevent infection from spreading to other teeth.

• Don't eat or drink anything for the amount of time your dentist tells you prior to the extraction.

Resources

• Get tips on preparing for a tooth extraction.