Wisdom tooth removal is a common form of oral surgery that prevents cyst, infection, decay and potential damage to the adjacent teeth.  It may also decrease crowding so one can maintain a healthy smile.  As you prepare for your visit to the oral surgeon, follow these tips to ensure a quick and easy recovery.

4 Preparation Tips for Wisdom Tooth Removal

1. Arrange Transportation

To ensure the tooth extraction process is comfortable, your oral surgeon may administer a combination of laughing gas, intravenous (IV) and or local anesthesia. Good local anesthesia is often adequate for painless wisdom tooth removal. Following your wisdom tooth removal, the effects of the IV anesthesia may result in temporary confusion, nausea or drowsiness. As such, you should schedule transportation to and from your appointment, so you don’t have to worry about driving yourself home.

2. Post Operative Diet

After the procedure, you’ll experience mild swelling and some bleeding at the extraction site. There are no diet restrictions after surgery although you my want to avoid chips and refrain from using a straw.  It is beneficial to move your jaw around as much as possible to help reduce the swelling.

3. Take Time Off

As a general rule of thumb, most oral surgeons recommend taking 24 to 48 hours off to properly heal from a wisdom tooth extraction. Do your best to relax and allow your body to restore itself. Avoid extreme physical activity and exercise in the days that follow.  You cannot work if you are taking a narcotic analgesic.

4. Bring a Friend

After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions to help you change the gauze, manage discomfort, and tackle swelling. You’ll also find out which habits to avoid, like drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, to promote healing. Bring a friend or loved one to the appointment, so you have a second set of ears listening to the surgeon’s orders. This will help you retain important aftercare  information and ensure a seamless recovery.  If you received other forms of anesthesia besides just local anesthesia, you cannot drive.

If you’re looking for an esteemed oral surgeon that specializes in wisdom tooth removal, contact Lyle C. Yanagihara DDS, MS, in Honolulu, HI. Dr. Yanagihara and his team can perform a wide range of advanced surgeries, from tooth extraction to bone grafting and dental implants. Visit their website to learn more about their removal procedures, or call (808) 973-1433 to schedule an appointment.