Your Prep List for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral surgeries performed in the United States. Even so, many people feel at least a little nervous before the procedure. 

At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi, Dr. Michael Nichols regularly performs wisdom teeth extractions. This prep list is based on his and his team’s experience and expertise.

Why do we remove wisdom teeth? 

Wisdom teeth, sometimes called the third molars, are the last teeth most people get. They emerge in your late teens or early 20s. The problem is that they’re often out of alignment, or they crowd and damage your other teeth.

Wisdom teeth can be horizontal, angled away from your other teeth, or inward or outward. That may mean that your wisdom teeth can’t erupt (break through your gum). And, if they do erupt, they can cause serious issues to your other teeth, your jawbone, or your nerves. 

Wisdom teeth that partially erupt can lead to an infection. They may also make it more difficult to clean your other teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

So, if X-rays show that your wisdom teeth aren’t well-positioned, we’re likely going to recommend extraction. 

Before and after your procedure

We want your procedure to go smoothly and you to have an excellent outcome. Follow these tips to help. 

Ask questions

If you’re nervous, talk to our staff about it. Often, understanding what to expect and why the procedure is necessary helps ease nerves. 

Enlist help

Ensure that you have someone to help you. Because it’s typical for people to need wisdom teeth extraction as teenagers or young adults, that someone may be a parent. It’s important that you arrange for a parent, friend, or neighbor to drive you to and from your appointment. 

Rest

After your procedure, plan to rest and do little else. You’re sedated during the surgery, and Dr. Nichols may suggest taking pain medication afterward. 

Stop the bleeding

You can expect to experience some bleeding in the 24 hours after your procedure. Bite down on a clean, moist piece of gauze or a moistened tea bag to staunch the bleeding during the first 45 minutes. If you continue to bleed, continue to apply pressure. 

Use ice for swelling 

You can also expect some swelling. Use an ice pack for 10 minutes, remove it for 20 minutes, and repeat that cycle for the first 24 hours as needed. Be sure you have an ice pack or ice cubes that you can wrap in cloth. 

Take pain relievers

Most people take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, so if that’s an option for you, make sure you have some on hand. Dr. Nichols sometimes prescribes stronger pain medication, so you may need to get a prescription filled. 

Follow instructions

Carefully follow all of the instructions we provide regarding foods and beverages. You’re on a liquid diet until all numbness has worn off, and then soft food for a few days.

You may want to prepare a few things before your appointment to save time later, or at least make sure you have supplies for things you can eat. 

As you heal, a small, soft blood clot forms to stop the bleeding. Avoid doing anything likely to dislodge it, such as using a straw, smoking, or drinking hot liquids.

The team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi in Flowood, Mississippi, aims to provide the information you need for a successful procedure. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction or ask questions about your specific situation.