How to Prepare For Your Wisdom Tooth Removal

Millions of Americans have their wisdom teeth removed each year. The procedure is relatively quick and presents few risks, but preparing in advance can make it less stressful. 

At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith specialize in wisdom teeth removal. 

This blog post provides simple preparation tips to ensure a comfortable experience.

4 tips to prepare for wisdom tooth removal

To ensure your wisdom tooth removal procedure goes smoothly, we recommend the following:

1. Take time off work or school

Every wisdom tooth removal experience is different. Some people have only one or two wisdom teeth removed. Others have all four. 

Similarly, several types of anesthesia can be used, and everyone reacts differently to treatment. For example, some people experience mild swelling, while others’ may not.

We typically recommend taking at least a day off work or school, so your mouth has 24 hours to begin healing. 

Additionally, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities, such as intense exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over repeatedly.

2. Make arrangements for pick-up

After wisdom tooth removal, it takes several hours for the anesthesia to wear off, so you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for someone to pick you up from our office. 

If you choose to undergo general anesthesia, have someone available who can help you for the first 24 hours of your recovery. General anesthesia takes longer to leave your system and can make you dizzy or nauseous. Having someone to help allows you to rest and recuperate.

3. Stock up on soft foods

Following wisdom tooth removal, you must eat soft foods for 3-5 days. Hard and crunchy foods can damage your sutures and cause inflammation and infection. 

In the days leading up to your procedure, stock your fridge and pantry with items like:

• Yogurt
• Broths and soups
• Smoothies
• Pureed foods
• Oatmeal
• Soft pasta

In addition, prepare a “recovery kit” that includes ice packs (to reduce any swelling), over-the-counter pain medication (to ease discomfort), and a water bottle (to stay hydrated).

4. Tell us about any medications or supplements you take

Wisdom tooth removal is safe and usually well-tolerated, but any procedure that involves anesthesia has some risks. 

During your initial consultation, tell us about the medications and supplements you take. Certain drugs, like blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding, so we may ask you to pause them temporarily before your procedure.

Contact us for stress-free wisdom teeth removal

If it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed, contact Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, to schedule a consultation. 

After an oral exam and dental X-rays, we can develop a personalized treatment plan.