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Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental surgery for many teens, but as a parent, you might be feeling a bit anxious about the upcoming procedure. With a little preparation, both you and your teen can get through this experience smoothly.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do post-surgery to ensure a speedy recovery.
Table of Contents
- Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
- Communicating with Your Teen
- Preparing for the Day of Surgery
- Post-Surgery: What to Expect
- Recovery and Aftercare
- Foley & Le: Your Oral Surgeons in Boulder, CO
To prepare your teen for wisdom tooth extraction, explain the procedure clearly and make sure they understand post-surgery care like sticking to soft foods and resting. On the day of surgery, keep them comfortable and ensure you have the necessary supplies at home for a smooth recovery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically appear in the late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, there’s not enough room for these teeth to grow properly. It can lead to impacted or partially erupted teeth and can cause tooth decay, pain, or damage to neighboring teeth, making extraction necessary.
Types of Anesthesia
During the procedure, anesthesia is used to ensure a comfortable experience. Here’s what the oral surgeon will do:
- Local anesthesia: The area around the teeth will be numbed so they won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): Administered through a mask, this will help them relax and feel more at ease.
- Intravenous anesthesia: A sedative is administered through an IV in the arm. This will put them in a dreamlike state.
- General anesthesia: In more complex cases, general anesthesia is used. They will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure.
What to Expect During Surgery
The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum to access the wisdom teeth. In some cases, the tooth may be broken into sections to make removal easier. Once the teeth are out, the surgeon will place stitches to help the area heal.
Communicating with Your Teen
Talk openly with your teen about the wisdom teeth removal surgery. Let them know what to expect, reassure them that it’s a common and safe procedure, and encourage them to ask questions.
If you suspect they’re nervous, suggest watching a few videos on what the procedure involves, so they know exactly what will happen.
Explain that they might feel some discomfort and swelling for a few days after surgery, but this is normal. You can also mention that they’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and stick to soft foods during the recovery period.
Preparing for the Day of Surgery
- Comfortable clothing: Loose, cozy clothes are best.
- A responsible adult: Ensure that either you or another adult can accompany your teen and drive them home.
- Personal preferences: If your teen has specific music or a podcast they like, bring it along to help them relax.
- Nail polish-free nails: Some types of anesthesia require pulse monitoring, and nail polish can interfere with the readings.
Stocking Up at Home
Before the surgery, make sure you have the following on hand:
- Soft foods: Stock up on pureed foods, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and of course, ice cream! For a list of soft foods ideas, read 50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction.
- Reusable ice inserts: To help reduce swelling.
- Prescribed medication: Make sure you have all the prescribed pain medicine and any over-the-counter pain relievers the oral surgeon recommends.
- Comfort items: Set up a cozy spot for your teen to rest post-surgery with blankets and pillows.
| 💡Did You Know?Wisdom tooth extraction is quicker than you might think! On average, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case. |
Post-Surgery: What to Expect
Here are a few key points to remember:
- Protective blood clot: It’s important to keep the blood clot in place at the extraction sites to avoid complications like dry sockets.
- Avoid straws: Sipping through a straw can dislodge the blood clot.
Moderate pain is to be expected and it can be managed with prescribed pain medication. If they experience severe pain, contact the oral surgeon immediately as this could indicate a dry socket or another issue.
Recovery and Aftercare
Avoid these types of foods to prevent irritating the extraction sites:
- Crunchy foods: Like chips or nuts.
- Spicy foods: These can cause discomfort.
- Hot beverages: Coffee or tea, which might disrupt healing.
Watch for Red Flags
Keep an eye out for signs of infection or other complications:
🚩Excessive bleeding: If it doesn’t stop after applying pressure. On average, it will take several gauze changes before the oozing can appear to slow down.
🚩Severe pain: Especially if it gets worse instead of better. Occasionally, pain can be exacerbated by night-time clenching or grinding.
🚩Bad taste in mouth: This could indicate an infection or a dry socket.
If you notice any red flags, or if your teen is experiencing extreme pain that isn’t relieved by the prescribed medication, reach out to your oral surgeon. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
Foley & Le: Your Oral Surgeons in Boulder, CO
Wisdom tooth extraction can be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your teen. Our experienced surgeons, Dr. Benjamin Foley and Dr. Thao Le are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, ensuring that every step of the process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. From the initial consultation to the post-surgery follow-up, we prioritize your teen’s comfort and your peace of mind.
If you are searching for an oral surgeon in Boulder, CO or ‘wisdom tooth extraction near me’ we can help! Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
