Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
How to prepare yourself for Wisdom teeth removal
Most patients go through wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives. Many patients have their wisdom teeth removed when they are teens, but others don’t have their wisdom teeth removed until they are adults. Regardless of your age, if you’re getting ready for wisdom teeth removal, here is what you need to know to prepare.
Clear Your Schedule
Wisdom teeth removal is a pretty big procedure. It’s not like filling a little cavity where you can comfortably go back to school or work after the procedure. In most cases, after you get your wisdom teeth removed, you are going to want at least a small break from regular life.
You may want to arrange to be out of school for the rest of the day, or you may want to take that day (and possibly the following day) off from work as well.
Choose Your Pain Relief
Wisdom teeth are large molars in the very back of your mouth. They have long roots, and the removal process can be painful. Luckily, there are all kinds of medications that can ensure you don’t feel a thing.
If you have a high pain tolerance and you are okay with dental procedures in general, you may be fine with a local anesthetic. That numbs your mouth so that you cannot feel the teeth being taken out. However, you will feel some pressure, and you will hear the dentist working on your mouth. If that bothers you, you may want to consider a stronger pain medication.
Another option is oral sedation. This is when you take an anti-anxiety pill before your appointment and that keeps you relaxed throughout the procedure. With oral sedation, you are awake while the oral surgeon works on your mouth, but you may not remember it.
Alternatively, there is intravenous sedation. That is when you receive the sedative medication through an IV and you may not remember the procedure though you are fully awake. A lot of patients tend to choose the IV sedation option for wisdom teeth removal because it makes the procedure easier to tolerate.
Arrange a Ride Home
If you have anything stronger than local anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home from the appointment. Without a pre-arranged way to get you home safely, the doctor cannot administer the medication. You may want to bring a friend or relative with you or arrange a ride through a service.
Plan to Pick Up Medication
After your wisdom teeth removal, you usually need to pick up some medication. The oral surgeon or dentist may prescribe pain medication. Those can be very helpful to keep you comfortable during your recovery.
On top of that, your dentist may also recommend a dose of antibiotics. Usually, with wisdom teeth removal, the doctor has to cut into your gums to remove the teeth. That opens up the possibility of infection. A round of antibiotics helps to ensure that your body is safe.
Ask Your Dentist Additional Questions
If you have additional questions about wisdom teeth removal, ask your dentist directly. They can let you know what to expect during the procedure as well as what you need to know about the recovery process.
To schedule wisdom teeth removal or any other procedures, contact Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at 404-400-0400 or by making an appointment online. We look forward to treating you.