Wisdom teeth often begin to emerge in your late teens or early twenties. When there is not enough space in the mouth, the can become impacted, leading to pain and infection. Steele Oral Surgery aims to remove wisdom teeth before complications occur, and this safeguards long-term oral health. Here are some tips to help you prepare for wisdom teeth removal:
Adjust Your Schedule
The procedure for wisdom teeth removal may only last an hour, but recovery often requires a few days. Resting immediately after surgery promotes healing and recovery, so activity should be limited. Some patients experience side effects from anesthesia or prescribed antibiotics that further disrupt normal schedules. Preparing for a modified schedule before the surgery helps reduce unexpected time off work or missed obligations. Medications can affect your ability to drive safely, so it is beneficial to arrange alternate transportation in advance for those who rely on you to get to work, school, or other activities.
Support Recovery
Like many surgeries, wisdom teeth removal results in swelling and discomfort. Having recovery tools at home helps manage pain and support recovery. Before your surgery:
- Prepare your space: Designating a comfortable resting spot with extra pillows helps keep your head elevated, reducing swelling.
- Stock the kitchen: After surgery, you must avoid chewing hard foods to protect the incision site and reduce pain. Nutritious, soft foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, broth, and smoothies, are good options.
- Plan for pain management: Some doctors prescribe pain medications after wisdom teeth surgery, but others recommend over-the-counter options like ibuprofen. Applying ice packs to the jaws periodically can reduce swelling and its related discomfort.
- Pause medications: Tell your surgeon what medications you are currently taking, because some may interfere with blood clotting or prescribed antibiotics.
Follow Pre-Operation Instructions
Following your surgeon’s pre-operation instructions helps prevent complications during the procedure and sets the foundation for healing. Patients receiving general anesthesia or sedation must fast for about eight hours before the surgery. Fasting includes not consuming food and water, and it helps reduce nausea, a common side effect of sedation. You should also not smoke or drink alcohol before surgery. These substances may delay healing or increase the risk of dry socket.
Surgeons also require you to arrange transportation to and from your appointment because sedation impairs your ability to drive safely. Wearing loose clothing, such as a t-shirt and sweatpants, supports comfort during the procedure and recovery period; short-sleeved shirts also make it easier for the surgeon to insert an IV if needed. Not following preoperative instructions may result in surgery being cancelled to maintain your safety.
Schedule Wisdom Teeth Removal
A dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal after reviewing X-rays or oral scans; these reveal whether teeth are likely to become impacted as they emerge. If your teeth are already growing in, persistent mouth pain and headaches could indicate a need for surgery. Specialists at Steele Oral Surgery will evaluate your mouth to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs. Contact us today to learn more about wisdom teeth procedures and recovery.
