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How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If you have an upcoming wisdom tooth extraction, you might be feeling a bit nervous or unsure of what to expect.

If your procedure is scheduled here at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, you can rest easy in knowing that our staff will do everything we can to ensure your comfort and provide a smooth, pain-free experience. And before you come in for wisdom tooth removal, we’ll go over your pre-operative instructions in detail.

wisdom tooth extraction preparation

Nevertheless, a little planning can make it easier to get through wisdom tooth extraction day.

Get Your Recovery Spot Ready

When you get home after wisdom tooth removal, you’ll want a cozy spot to recover in comfort. Set some extra pillows out on the couch or bed, and make sure entertainment — a book, the TV remote, whatever you like — is in easy reach. Finally, don’t forget to stock up on your favorite soft foods.

Choose Comfortable Clothing

Dress for comfort, not style. Choose a loose-fitting, casual outfit, like sweats or yoga pants and a T-shirt, and skip the accessories. You might have to remove metal jewelry before your tooth extraction, so leave it at home where it won’t get lost.

Arrange for a Ride Home

You can drive yourself to your tooth extraction appointment, but you’ll need a friend or family member to drive back home. After anesthesia, the drowsiness can linger, making driving unsafe. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to have a parent or guardian along anyway.

Do Not Eat or Drink After Midnight

To prevent complications, anesthesia must be administered when your stomach is empty. So no eating or drinking after midnight (or for at least eight hours before your procedure). If you’re on prescription medication, your oral surgeon will let you know if you should skip it on wisdom tooth extraction day or take your regular dose with a small sip of water.

Take Extra Care in Your Oral Hygiene

The morning before your tooth extraction appointment, clean your mouth carefully. Spend three to four minutes with the toothbrush (instead of the usual two), then floss and swish with mouthwash. Taking the extra time to be thorough with your oral hygiene can help prevent infection.

You might not look forward to wisdom tooth extraction day, but the professionals at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah are committed to giving you a positive experience.

As specialists in wisdom tooth removal, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Maxfield are highly skilled at completing simple and complex extractions with a compassionate touch. Patient safety and comfort are our primary concerns, because we really want to put a smile on your face!

For expert care from the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah team, contact one of our three convenient Salt Lake City area offices in Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan and Tooele today and make an appointment to discuss wisdom tooth extraction.

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