Wisdom teeth extraction can seem like a huge ordeal. While it is a routine procedure for oral surgeons, patients are certainly not used to having their teeth removed (at least, we hope not!). When your dentist gives you or your child this news, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this blog, our oral surgeons, Dr. Chris Tye and Dr. Andrew Sohn will help you prepare for your, or your child’s, wisdom teeth extraction by providing six valuable tips that will help you prepare and make you feel at ease.
1. Find an Oral Surgeon
Would you let your general practitioner perform your heart surgery? Of course not! So, why would you consider allowing your general dentist to perform your oral surgery? Most patients don’t realize that general dentists aren’t the best option when it comes to wisdom teeth extraction.
Oral surgeons have the education, training, and skills to successfully carry out this procedure. Though it is considered minor surgery, complications may arise, and you want to be sure you’re in the most capable hands.
An oral surgeon has received an additional four years of education and training in surgical procedures of the mouth, face, and jaw and in administering anesthesia. While your dentist may perform wisdom teeth removal surgery a few times a month, oral surgeons may do it a few times a day. Plus, dentists usually only have a few days’ worth of training under their belt.
2. Ask Questions
When you meet with an oral surgeon, be prepared to ask lots of questions. Making a list and bringing it with you will be helpful. Here are some great questions to ask:
- Can I (or my child) eat before the surgery?
- How early should I arrive?
- How long does the procedure take?
- What type of anesthesia do you use?
- Will I need a ride home?
- How much time off work should I take? OR How long will my child be out of school?
If there are any other questions you can think of, don’t be afraid to ask! The dental team will be happy to answer all of your questions so you feel more comfortable on the day of the surgery.
3. Stock Up
Coming home to a prepared and fully stocked house after surgery is such a comfort. But what do you need?
Well, it’s important to keep lots of soft foods and liquids so you have plenty of choices when it comes to food. Your body will need the nutrition to aid in the healing process! Here are a few foods you may want to buy at the store:
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Apple sauce
- Pudding
- Oatmeal
- Cottage cheese
- Ice cream
- Seedless fruit for smoothies
Other things you’ll want to have on-hand include lots of water, Gatorade, and/or juice for hydration and tea bags to help stop bleeding.
Also, ask your oral surgeon if it would be possible to get your prescription before the day of surgery.
One thing you won’t need is straws. Be sure not to use them at any point following your wisdom teeth extraction as they can increase your risk for complications and slow down the recovery process.
4. Prepare to Relax
Make sure your home is clean and cozy so that you can fully relax after the procedure. Your oral surgeon will encourage you to take it easy for at least 24 hours. That means no cooking, cleaning, or exercising. So, do your best to prepare a space when you’ll feel comfortable for a long period of time.
This could include lots of pillows, books, iPad, and TV remote. If you are taking care of your child, add anything else he or she might need (like water and Kleenex) so you aren’t constantly running around the house looking for items.
5. Drink Up
When receiving IV sedation, it’s important to be hydrated. Dehydration combined with the anesthesia can make it more difficult for the IV to start and increase your risk of post-op nausea and vomiting.
Your oral surgeon may instruct you to fast before the surgery, but you can still drink water, sports drinks, vitamin water, and juice.
Call Our Oral Surgeon
If you’re ready to start checking items off of this list, contact our friendly team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists. Dr. Chris Tye and Dr. Andrew Sohn are known to be among the top oral surgeons in the Colleyville, TX area. Doctors at TXOSS are dual degreed and Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Call 817-552-3223 to schedule an initial consultation.
