Skip to main content

Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction in 5 Easy Steps

During your consultation for wisdom tooth extraction, our oral surgery team will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions based on your chosen method of anesthesia.

Following these instructions will help make the process much easier for you. What should you do?

Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction in 5 Steps

No. 1: Don’t Eat or Drink Anything after Midnight

Whenever you have anesthesia, your stomach needs to be empty. So the night before your wisdom tooth removal, you won’t be able to eat or drink after midnight.

If you are on any prescription medications, you may be able to take them with a small sip of water. But play it safe and verify with us first. Some medicines may need to be stopped before getting oral surgery.

No. 2: Give Your Mouth a Thorough Cleaning

On the day of your wisdom tooth extraction, take extra care in cleaning your mouth. Instead of the usual two-minute brushing, brush for about three to four minutes. Floss, then follow with a swish of mouthwash, taking care not to swallow. A thorough mouth cleaning can help guard against infection, so don’t skip this step.

No. 3: Wear Comfortable Clothing

Choose your outfit with comfort in mind. Loose-fitting casual clothing is best, so don’t wear anything that feels tight and don’t worry about dressing to impress. Leave the accessories at home, too. Before wisdom tooth extraction, you may need to remove your jewelry anyway, so wearing any to your appointment doesn’t really make sense.

No. 4: Bring a Designated Driver

Sure, you might be able to drive to your tooth extraction appointment. But if you’re getting anesthesia, we won’t allow you to drive home afterward — you’ll be too groggy. Enlist a friend or family member to be your designated driver. And if you’re under 18, you’ll need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian anyway.

No. 5: Plan Ahead for Smooth Recovery from Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After wisdom tooth removal, you’ll need some time to rest and relax in comfort. Before coming in for your appointment, take a moment to set up a cozy spot. Having a few pillows and some easy entertainment at the ready (Netflix, anyone?) can make your recovery easier and more pleasant.

You’ll also need to eat a soft-food diet for a few days after your wisdom tooth removal. Make sure you have some tasty, easy-to-eat options on hand so you won’t go hungry — or be tempted to eat something you shouldn’t.

Check with us to see if you’ll need any prescription medication after your procedure. If so, try to get it filled ahead of time so that you don’t have to stop at the pharmacy on your way home.

Finally, have your ice packs frozen and ready when you get home. Waiting for them to freeze may lead to excessive swelling.

If you have more questions, the expert team at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah has the answers. Contact our Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan or Tooele office today for more information about wisdom tooth extraction.

Comments are closed.

Click to open and close visual accessibility options. The options include increasing font-size and color contrast.