How to Have a Tooth Pulled

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Having a tooth pulled by your dentist can be a scary experience for someone at any age. Prepare to have the tooth pulled by knowing what to expect, and your experience could go more smoothly. Expect to have some type of anesthesia administered and to feel discomfort at some point during the procedure. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Get comfortable in the dentist office chair. Make sure you have gone to the bathroom before the appointment.
Step 2

Take any anti-anxiety drugs your dentist may recommend. You may be given a mask to inhale a drug, a shot or pills to swallow. These help you relax prior to getting a local anesthetic.
Step 3

Open your mouth when the dentist asks so that he can numb the entire area around the tooth to be pulled.
Step 4

Prepare to feel tugging and pulling, but not pain. Using a local anesthetic allows you to be able to see all of the procedure unless you close your eyes.
Step 5

Tell your doctor immediately when experiencing any severe pain while he is pulling the tooth. The local anesthesia may not have worked; or, it may need more time to take affect.

Tips & Warnings

A tooth extraction may require a general anesthesia, in which you are put to sleep, or a walking anesthesia, similar but you won't be completely knocked out.
Follow all instructions for care before and after the tooth is pulled.
If you want to avoid seeing the procedure, close your eyes.
Don't drive yourself home. Be sure you have a ride and hopefully someone to help you at home for a short time.

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