Wisdom teeth are molars located at the very back of your mouth. They are often impacted and can cause problems for your oral health.
If you’re due for a wisdom teeth removal, prepare by scheduling time off work and arranging transportation home. This is an important step, as you won’t be able to drive after surgery.
Be Prepared for Sedation
During your procedure, the expert wisdom teeth removal in Pasadena will probably numb your mouth with a local anesthetic or give you drugs through a vein (IV) or breathing gas (nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”) to make you drowsy. You might not remember a thing about the surgery afterward.
If you will receive sedation, you should take time off work to rest. Depending on the type of sedation, you may not be able to drive afterward, so it is important to arrange transportation.
Also, stock up on soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, and milkshakes. Avoid drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clots needed for healing.
Avoid Smoking
A patient should avoid smoking while preparing for wisdom teeth removal surgery. This will reduce their risk of complications, such as a bad reaction to the anesthesia or other problems that can arise from the procedure.
People should also consider how they will get to and from the oral surgeon on the day of their operation. Since they will be under sedation, they won’t be able to drive, so they will need to arrange transportation or have someone with them.
Many dentists and oral surgeons, such as Art of Smiles, recommend removing a person’s wisdom teeth if they are impacted or will cause problems later on. These problems may include jaw pain, other teeth or surrounding gums damage, or infections.
Take Prescription Medication
If you are prescribed pain medication for wisdom tooth removal surgery, it is important to take it as directed to minimize discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be used.
Be sure to bring a driver to your appointment and arrange transportation home following the procedure. Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you may not be able to drive for some time. Before surgery, stock up on soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, soup, applesauce, and Jell-O. Stocking up on beverages such as Gatorade, water, protein shakes, and ice cream is also helpful. Avoid drinking through straws, as this can dislodge blood clots and increase swelling, bleeding, and pain.
Avoid Eating Hard Foods
While recovering from wisdom teeth removal surgery, they must avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Hard or chewy foods can disturb the blood clot and cause pain and infections.
Acidic foods can also irritate the surgical wound, leading to swelling and inflammation. Eating a diet of soft foods is helpful for recovery.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and calcium, while mashed pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. These foods are easy to eat and don’t require a lot of chewing. They can also help ease the pain and swelling. Other options include hummus, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.
Schedule Your Recovery
Wisdom teeth removal is a common and relatively safe oral surgery. However, it is important to follow some recovery tips to reduce your chances of complications.
Ensure you have a friend or family member available to help you at home following the procedure. This can include caring for pets, children, or other tasks around the house. Stock up on soft foods before surgery, such as soup, pudding, Jell-O, yogurt, and applesauce. Getting adequate nutrition after your procedure is important, but you should not use a straw, as doing so could dislodge the blood clot. You should also avoid eating crunchy or hard foods, which can irritate the surgical site.
When you’re ready to remove a damaged tooth, you can check out this dentist who does tooth extraction and Invisalign in Williamsburg VA.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.