A simple guide to making wisdom tooth extraction as easy as possible
Having your wisdom teeth extracted is a rite of passage few look forward to.
But why not take control and do everything you can to make the procedure go as smoothly as possible? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Find an oral surgeon that you trust
Feeling comfortable with the person who will extract your wisdom teeth goes a long way towards relieving anxiety. It’s OK to shop around but remember that your health and well-being matter more than just the price. Find an oral surgeon that you trust. Not just that you trust their clinical skills but that you feel confident in their ability to put you at ease and make the extraction pain-free.
Plan ahead
- Patients who allow themselves time to rest recover much quickly than those who don’t. Try to schedule your appointment at a time when you’ve got two days off work following the extraction.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to stay with you for six to eight hours while you are still coming out of anesthesia.
- Stock the fridge with high-nutrient liquid foods and other soft foods like pudding and yogurt.
- Run errands in the days leading up to your appointment and make sure your house is clean. You shouldn’t do chores when you ought to be resting.
Prepare to be relaxed
On the day of your procedure, wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid any unnecessary jewelry, watches, etc. If you use contact lenses, it’s a good idea to leave them out and wear your glasses for the day. It’s helpful to wear shoes that are easy to walk in as you may not be steady on your feet following the extraction. Get plenty of sleep the night before and try to avoid stressful situations prior to your appointment.
Follow all postop care instructions
From diet to pain medication, bleeding, swelling, ice packs, head elevation, saline rinses and more, your oral surgeon will provide a detailed list of best practices for pre and postop care. Trust their professional opinion and follow the suggestions as prescribed. These instructions take both short-term and long-term recovery in mind. Postop care is about preventing future complications as it is managing discomfort.
