How to Get Ready for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Extracting wisdom teeth sometimes is a necessary evil. Left untreated, wisdom teeth can become impacted, making cleaning difficult and increasing your chances of infection, cysts and tumors. Dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth in your early early 20s, ideally before they become impacted. The good news is that the extraction process is an outpatient surgery performed under general or local anesthesia depending on the patient. Preparing for your post-operative needs can ease your recovery period and increase your comfort.

Things You'll Need

• Soft, clear foods
• Ice pack

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Abstain from any food and liquid six hours prior to surgery. The only exception: you may drink a little fluid when taking medication. Having fluids or food in your digestive system increases the chances of vomiting and asphyxiation under general anesthesia.

• 2

  Wear comfortable clothing. Choose short sleeves or loose long sleeves that the doctor can easily roll up to insert the IV or take your blood pressure. Some people feel nauseated after anesthesia, so wear elasticized-waist pants.

• 3

  Ask a family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment. Most dentists won't allow you to drive yourself home because anesthesia leaves you cognitively and physically groggy for a couple hours afterward. The surgery and recovery period combined rarely take longer than two hours.

• 4

  Buy the necessary items for an easy recovery before you go for the surgery. Purchase soft foods like gelatins and applesauce that you can easily chew and digest. Also purchase a flexible ice pack for reducing swelling and pain on your jaw.