Why Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed 

These well-known troublemakers are positioned at the back of the mouth. Due to evolutionary changes in human jaws and diets, their original function of grinding tougher foods has lost actuality. 22.6% of the worldwide population doesn’t have these teeth at all! Third molars mostly cause problems, as our jaws typically don’t provide enough space to incorporate them properly. 

Dentists may recommend removing wisdom teeth in the following cases: 

• Insufficient space to entirely fit them into your mouth;
• Potential tooth decay due to unerupted wisdom teeth;
• Pain, swelling, discomfort, or inflamed gums at the back of your mouth;

• A high risk of nearby teeth damage and other complications;
• Wisdom teeth push against other teeth and ruin your bite;
• Subsequent orthodontic treatment.

Third molars rarely cause no trouble, but it happens. To delve more into the causes, read our expert post “Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?” It’s reasonable to book an appointment with your dentist to find out whether they pose risks to your oral health.

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction 

The procedure implies the removal of one or more third molars. The course of treatment depends on:

• The number of extracted teeth;
• The type of anesthesia administered (local/general anesthesia or sedation);
• Particular case complexity.

Patients usually can resume their job responsibilities in a few days following the procedure, depending on their line of work. You commonly need several weeks to fully recover.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal: Step-by-Step

What to do before wisdom teeth removal to ensure a smooth and painless experience? Much depends on the oral surgeon’s professional expertise, but you can also contribute to the procedure’s success:

1. Clarify your concerns before wisdom teeth removal. Write down your questions prior to the initial consultation with a dental practitioner and ask them to sort things out. The procedure might be stressful, so you’d better demystify the warning aspects in advance than miss out vital data later.
2. Be honest when sharing your health history. A doctor may ask about your past health issues and drug use experience. Never conceal this information, as it may affect the procedure’s efficiency.
3. Think over post-surgery transportation. Anesthesia might impact your ability to drive. Don’t risk your safety and ask a responsible person to drive you home after the surgery.
4. Organize a cozy recovery spot. Arrange a comfortable place at home to let your body get plenty of rest. Stock up on books or movies to pass the time enjoyably. 
5. Store up soft foods for the recovery period. Buy soft foods to alleviate the chewing pressure on the affected area. We’ll focus on this issue later.
6. Take time off from work or school. Ensure you have enough time to recover and schedule several days off from work or school.

These things to do before wisdom teeth removal apply to each patient. Always prioritize your doctor’s pre-surgery instructions as they consider your case severity and suitable anesthesia or sedation.

Do’s and Don’ts Before Wisdom Tooth Surgery 

Except for the necessary steps to follow, wisdom teeth removal preparation involves understanding what must be avoided to prevent potential complications in the future. Here’s a comprehensive compilation of what to do before wisdom teeth surgery and red flags to remember.

Recommended:	Prohibited:
✓Learn your dentist’s instructions carefully for a smooth procedure.✓Stock post-surgery foods, prescribed medications, and ice packs for early recovery.✓Brush and floss your teeth before the surgery.✓Choose a comfortable outfit for the appointment.	⨉Don’t drink alcohol for 24+ hours before tooth extraction.⨉Don’t smoke or use tobacco products several days before dental surgery.⨉Don’t take drugs that may interact with anesthesia.

This concise table can help you prep for wisdom teeth removal properly and contribute to a comfortable experience in a dental chair.

Recovery Tips After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Since we aim to clarify issues related to the period before and after wisdom teeth removal, let’s proceed to the actionable post-surgery tips:

• Brush your teeth on the second day after the procedure.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously after meals. Apply gentle, retaining movements.
• Don’t blow your nose intensely, especially if the extracted tooth was on your upper jaw.
• Don’t puff out your cheeks for a week following the procedure.
• Eat appropriate foods (you’ll find an exhaustive list below).
• Avoid drinking from a straw: it can impede healing.
• Keep away from alcohol to prevent excessive bleeding.
• Refrain from smoking to avert the risk of complications.
• Avoid strenuous activities and sports for a week after the surgery.
• Ask your family and friends for support. Temporarily delegate some errands to them if possible.

These tips might seem limiting and burdensome to follow, but they prevent negative post-surgery outcomes. 

Foods to Eat and Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Adequate preparing for wisdom teeth removal requires certain dietary adjustments.

Allowed:	Forbidden:
Soft, easy-to-chew foods at room temperature:✓Processed vegetables;✓Mashed potatoes;✓Meatballs;✓Smoothies (no straw!)✓Scrambled eggs;✓Cream soups;✓Broths;✓Porridge;✓Applesauce;✓Jelly, etc.	⨉Very hot foods and beverages;⨉Spicy, salty, and acidic food and drinks (salsa, salted fish, lemons, and more);⨉Hard, crunchy, and solid foods (one-piece meat, nuts, uncut carrots, etc.).

Pay special attention to dairy products: sometimes, dentists don’t recommend yogurt, cottage cheese, sour milk, and the like for the initial recovery period. It may promote the growth of bacteria, so check this point during your consultation appointment.

Some online recommendations mention drinking pineapple juice before wisdom teeth extraction to improve recovery. Bromelain in pineapple has the potential to decrease inflammation, but the evaluation of the effects of pineapple juice for dental surgery requires more studies. Medications have shown a more pronounced effect in managing post-surgery pain and swelling.

Wisdom teeth removal is considered a more intricate procedure than average tooth extraction. It requires certain efforts on your behalf to go smoothly, as well as an oral surgeon’s expertise. If you are in Forest Hills, NY, our qualified Cosmetic & Implant Dental Office team will gladly clarify your concerns and recovery-related questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparation for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Additional Resources

• Visit the National Library of Medicine website to see what properly positioned wisdom teeth look like.
• Discover potential side effects of having wisdom teeth removed.