Although tooth extraction is a simple procedure for most people, whether it goes safely and smoothly depends on the right preparation done in advance. Especially in people with chronic illnesses or who use medications regularly, it is of great importance that the dentist has complete information about their health condition. Some medications can affect the risk of bleeding, healing or infection and must be taken into account in extraction planning. Knowing what you need to do in terms of preparation before tooth extraction increases both your safety and the comfort of the procedure. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we have prepared a practical preparation guide for our patients in Türkiye.
Share Your Health Information Completely
It is important that you give your dentist the following information completely before the extraction. Even a piece of information that seems unimportant can affect planning:
- Chronic illnesses: Heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, bleeding disorders, asthma and thyroid diseases.
- Past surgeries: Conditions such as prosthetic heart valves, joint replacements and organ transplants.
- Cancer treatments: A history of radiotherapy to the head and neck region or chemotherapy.
- Allergies: Allergies to medications, anesthetics or materials such as latex.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Including the possibility of pregnancy.
- Smoking and alcohol use: Habits that can affect healing.
Which Medications Are Especially Important?
Blood Thinners and Antiplatelets
These medications can increase the risk of bleeding. However, stopping the medication on your own can lead to serious risks such as clots, stroke or heart attack. In current approaches, many simple extractions can be done without stopping the medication, with local measures. If an adjustment is necessary, only the physician who prescribed the medication makes this decision.
Medications Affecting Bone Metabolism
Some medications used in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone medications used in some cancer treatments can, although rarely, lead to healing problems in the jawbone. If you have used or are using these medications by mouth, injection or infusion, be sure to report the name of the medication, how it is used and for how long to your dentist. Extraction planning is done accordingly.
Cortisone and Immunosuppressive Medications
These medications can affect healing and resistance to infections; additional precautions may be necessary.
Diabetes Medications and Insulin
Get information in advance from your diabetes physician about how to adjust your meal and medication schedule on the day of the extraction.
Herbal Products and Supplements
Some herbal products and supplements can increase the tendency to bleed or interact with medications. Report these to your dentist as well.
Bringing your medication boxes or prescriptions with you makes it easier to convey accurate information.
An Important Rule: Do Not Change Your Medications on Your Own
Continue to use your regular medications normally unless your dentist says otherwise. Skipping blood pressure, heart and other chronic disease medications on the day of the extraction can lead to problems during the procedure. Any change in medication should only be made on the recommendation of the relevant physician.
Is Preventive Antibiotic Needed?
For most patients, a preventive antibiotic is not needed before tooth extraction. However, in situations such as certain prosthetic heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis and certain congenital heart diseases, it may be necessary to use a preventive antibiotic before the extraction in line with your cardiologist’s recommendation. If this applies to you, be sure to inform your dentist before the extraction.
Checklist for the Day of the Extraction
- Do not come hungry: For extractions done with local anesthesia, come having had a light meal unless your dentist says otherwise; this helps prevent dizziness.
- If sedation is planned: Follow the instructions given to you regarding the fasting period and a companion.
- Medication list: Bring a list of all the medications you use or their boxes with you.
- Tests: Bring current blood tests, your INR value or medical reports, if any.
- Be rested: A good night’s sleep and a relaxed state of mind make the procedure easier.
- Quit smoking: Staying away from smoking before and after the extraction supports healing.
- Do not drink alcohol: Do not consume alcohol the day before the extraction and on the day of the extraction.
- Comfortable clothing: Prefer comfortable clothes.
Share Your Anxiety
If you feel anxious about dental treatment, telling your dentist before the appointment allows the procedure to be planned at a pace that suits you. For patients with high levels of anxiety, the procedure is explained step by step, breaks are given and, if necessary, options such as sedation are considered.
Prepare in Advance for After the Extraction
Preparing the soft foods, ice pack and clean gauze you will need after the extraction in advance makes things easier when you return home. For surgical extractions, it is recommended that you plan a few days of rest.
A Safe Plan Together
At DijiDent, we take a detailed health history before the extraction and, when necessary, contact the relevant physicians to plan your treatment safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
For extractions done with local anesthesia, a light meal is generally recommended; if sedation is planned, follow the fasting instructions given to you.
Do not stop it on your own; the decision should only be made by the physician who prescribed the medication.
Generally yes; however, the name and duration of use of the medication should be reported to your dentist and planning done accordingly.
They are not necessary for most patients; in some heart conditions, they may be used on the cardiologist’s recommendation.
Continue using your regular medications unless your dentist says otherwise.
A safe extraction begins with good preparation.
Contact us to book an appointment to have your health condition evaluated before tooth extraction and to create a safe plan. Let us answer your questions at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Be sure to consult the relevant physician before making any changes to your medications.
