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Most people have their wisdom teeth removed in their teen or early adult years to prevent a variety of dental complications. But while this safe and effective procedure is common, it’s normal to get nervous about the surgery. As a leading dentist in Sacramento, CA, Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS highlights a few tips to help you prepare for the surgery and ensure that your wisdom teeth extraction is as stress-free as possible.  

5 Steps to Follow Prior to Wisdom Teeth Extraction

1. Avoid Food and Drink Eight Hours Before

If you’re receiving general anesthesia during surgery, it’s best to fast for at least eight hours before your appointment. This precaution helps ensure that your stomach contents are kept to a minimum and helps with any nausea issues that may arise.

2. Fill Prescriptions

dentistDuring recovery, making a trip to the pharmacy may be the last thing you want to do. As such, it’s best to fill any prescriptions your dentist provides prior to the surgery. Often, antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent oral infection. Painkillers may also be prescribed to keep discomfort to a minimum.

3. Make Your Home Recovery-friendly

To help your recovery go as smoothly as possible, make your home as comfortable as possible. Prepare a quiet, comfortable place to rest for a few days. Since there are many foods you must avoid during the first few days of recovery, you should also stock your kitchen with soft, dentist-approved items such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, and ice cream.

4. Arrange a Ride

Due to the effects of general anesthesia, oral surgery patients are not able to safely drive themselves home after a procedure. Ask a friend or family member to come with you to the appointment so that you have a ride home.

5. Organize Payment

If you need to make a payment for your procedure when you arrive, have it arranged before coming to your appointment. You might also need to gather your dental insurance information for the clinic if billing has not yet been processed.

If you believe it’s time to have your wisdom teeth extracted, visit Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS. Providing comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento, CA, Dr. Rasmussen will assess your oral health to determine if extraction is necessary. If surgery is needed, this caring dentist will guide you through the removal and recovery process to ensure you protect your smile in the most comfortable way possible. Visit this general dentistry practice online to learn more about their treatment services. For appointments, call a friendly team member at (916) 689-1100.

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