Dos And Don Ts Before Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While many people can keep their wisdom teeth without any issues, others may experience pain, infection, and other complications that require extraction. If you're scheduled to have wisdom teeth surgery, it's important to prepare properly to help ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind before your surgery:

DO: Follow Your Dentist's Instructions

Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow before your surgery. These may include avoiding food and drink for a certain amount of time before the procedure, adjusting your medications, and arranging for transportation to and from the appointment. It's important to follow these instructions carefully to help minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

DON'T: Eat or Drink Before Surgery

As mentioned above, your dentist or oral surgeon may instruct you to avoid food and drink before your surgery. This is typically done to help prevent vomiting or other complications during the procedure. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully and avoid eating or drinking anything after the specified time.

DO: Ask Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth surgery, don't be afraid to ask. Your dentist or oral surgeon can provide you with detailed information about the procedure, the risks and benefits, and what to expect during and after the surgery. Having a clear understanding of what's involved can help ease your anxiety and ensure that you're fully prepared.

DON'T: Smoke

Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, including dry socket, infection, and delayed healing. If you're a smoker, it's important to quit before your wisdom teeth surgery to help reduce these risks. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the best ways to quit smoking and maintain good oral health after the surgery.

DO: Plan for Recovery Time

After your wisdom teeth surgery, you'll need to rest and recover for a few days. This may involve taking time off work or school, arranging for someone to help you at home, and avoiding strenuous activities like exercise. Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to recover before returning to your normal routine.

DON'T: Drink Alcohol

Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of bleeding and other complications after surgery. It's important to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your wisdom teeth surgery to help ensure the best possible outcome.

DO: Keep Your Mouth Clean

Keeping your mouth clean is essential after wisdom teeth surgery to help prevent infection and other complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon may provide you with specific instructions for cleaning your mouth, such as using saltwater rinses or avoiding certain foods. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully and maintain good oral hygiene to promote healing.

DON'T: Drive Yourself Home

After wisdom teeth surgery, you may be under the influence of anesthesia or other medications that can impair your coordination and judgment. It's important to arrange for someone else to drive you home after the procedure to help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

DO: Rest and Relax

Rest and relaxation are key to a successful recovery after wisdom teeth surgery. Make sure to take it easy for a few days after the procedure, avoiding strenuous activities and giving your body time to heal. You may also want to stock up on books, movies, and other entertainment to help pass the time while you recover.

DON'T: Eat Hard or Chewy Foods

In the days after your wisdom teeth surgery, it's important to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate your mouth or interfere with the healing process. Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies until your dentist or oral surgeon gives you the okay to resume your normal diet.

DO: Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential after wisdom teeth surgery to help prevent dehydration and promote healing. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using straws, which can create suction and increase the risk of dry socket. Instead, sip water or other beverages directly from a cup.

DON'T: Ignore Signs of Complications

If you experience any signs of complications after your wisdom teeth surgery, such as excessive bleeding, swelling, or fever, don't ignore them. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately for advice and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and ensure a successful recovery.

DO: Take Your Medications as Directed

Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe medications to help manage pain, swelling, and other symptoms after your wisdom teeth surgery. Make sure to take these medications as directed, and don't stop taking them without consulting your healthcare provider first. If you experience any side effects or concerns, contact your provider for advice.

DON'T: Brush Your Teeth Too Soon

While it's important to keep your mouth clean after wisdom teeth surgery, you should avoid brushing your teeth too soon. Brushing too vigorously or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can irritate your gums and interfere with the healing process. Instead, rinse your mouth gently with water or a saltwater solution as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.

DO: Get Plenty of Rest

Rest is essential after wisdom teeth surgery to help your body heal and recover. Make sure to get plenty of rest, both during the day and at night, and avoid strenuous activities that could interfere with the healing process. If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon for advice on how to manage discomfort and promote restful sleep.

Related Teeth

DON'T: Drink Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages can increase the risk of dry socket after wisdom teeth surgery by creating suction in the mouth. It's important to avoid drinking carbonated beverages for at least 24 hours after the procedure to help prevent this complication. Stick to water, juice, and other non-carbonated beverages instead.

DO: Wear Comfortable Clothing

Comfortable clothing can help you feel more relaxed and at ease during your wisdom teeth surgery. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and that won't interfere with any IV lines or other medical equipment during the procedure.

DON'T: Eat Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate your mouth and interfere with the healing process after wisdom teeth surgery. Avoid eating spicy foods for at least a few days after the procedure, and stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods until your dentist or oral surgeon gives you the okay to resume your normal diet.

DO: Ice Your Jaw

Ice can help reduce swelling and discomfort after wisdom teeth surgery. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to your jaw for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first few days after the procedure. This can help ease pain and promote healing.

DON'T: Eat Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can get stuck in the extraction site and interfere with the healing process. Avoid eating sticky foods like gum, caramels, and taffy for at least a few days after your wisdom teeth surgery, and stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods instead.

DO: Relax Your Jaw

After wisdom teeth surgery, you may experience stiffness or soreness in your jaw. To help reduce discomfort and promote healing, try to relax your jaw as much as possible. Avoid clenching your teeth or chewing hard foods, and use a warm compress or gentle massage to help ease tension in the muscles.

DON'T: Drink Hot Beverages

Hot beverages can irritate your mouth and interfere with the healing process after wisdom teeth surgery. Avoid drinking hot coffee, tea, or other beverages for at least a few days after the procedure, and stick to room temperature or cold beverages instead.

DO: Take It Easy

After wisdom teeth surgery, it's important to take it easy and avoid overexerting yourself. Don't try to do too much too soon, and listen to your body if it tells you to rest. You may need to take a few days off work or school to give yourself time to recover.

DON'T: Use Straws

Using straws can create suction in the mouth and increase the risk of dry socket after wisdom teeth surgery. Avoid using straws for at least 24 hours after the procedure, and sip liquids directly from a cup or glass instead.

DO: Use Pain Medication as Needed

If you experience pain or discomfort after your wisdom teeth surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help manage these symptoms. Make sure to use these medications as directed, and don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

DON'T: Chew on Hard Objects

Chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or ice can damage the extraction site and interfere with the healing process after wisdom teeth surgery. Avoid chewing on these objects, and stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods until your dentist or oral surgeon gives you the okay to resume your normal diet.

DO: Apply Pressure to Stop Bleeding

If you experience bleeding after your wisdom teeth surgery, apply pressure to the area with a clean, damp piece of gauze or a tea bag. Bite down gently for 20-30 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for advice.

DON'T: Eat Spoonsful of Ice Cream

Eating spoonsful of ice cream can create suction in the mouth and increase the risk of dry socket after wisdom teeth surgery. Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like pudding, yogurt, and applesauce instead, and avoid using a spoon that could disturb the extraction site.