Oral Surgery News & Blog

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure recommended by dentists and oral surgeons. You may be wondering what you can do ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience and recovery. Following the steps below will help you maintain comfort and peace of mind before, during, and after your extraction appointment.

Set your appointment

In some instances, wisdom teeth may be removed by your local dentist. This can be the case if the surrounding teeth are not impacted by your wisdom teeth as they start to grow in. For most people, though, oral surgery is required for removal. Your oral surgeon will assess your teeth and provide individualized recommendations for your procedure. Together, you and your surgeon will set a date for your extraction. At this time, be sure to inform your surgeon of any pre-existing health conditions or prescription medications you are on to ensure there are no complications during your procedure or recovery. Your surgeon will also instruct you regarding any specific guidelines you need to follow, such as fasting prior to your appointment.

Arrange transportation

Oftentimes, wisdom tooth extraction involves the patient receiving general anesthesia. Be sure to ask your surgeon if this will be a part of your procedure. If so, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. While under general anesthesia, you will not be conscious or feel any pain during your extraction. However, it is not safe to drive after waking from anesthesia because you may be drowsy, nauseous, and/or slightly disoriented.

Practice good oral hygiene

Your ability to practice your typical oral hygiene regimen will be limited for a few days after surgery as your extraction sites heal. In the days leading up to your appointment, be sure to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue nice and clean to minimize the number of bacteria in your mouth. Brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and rinsing with mouthwash are all good ways to clean your mouth prior to surgery.

Prepare your recovery essentials

Healing requires significant energy from your body and can be painful. It’s not uncommon for people to feel unwell for a couple of days following their wisdom tooth removal. Consider planning time off from school or work to indulge in relaxing, restful activities for a day or two after surgery. Think about where you will spend most of your time recovering once you are home. It’s a good idea to choose a recovery area that’s both comfortable and accessible, like a couch with cozy blankets that’s near a bathroom. You may want to have an over-the-counter painkiller available to minimize discomfort and inflammation. Also, be sure to stock up on soft, soothing foods like soup, yogurt, and applesauce to eat while you recover.

Finding an Experienced Oral Surgeon in Boise

At Boise Oral Surgery, we’re determined to make certain that you have a comfortable and rapid recovery following surgery so that you achieve the optimum result from treatment. We ensure our guests have the resources necessary, including pre-operative and post-operative instructions for your extraction.

Dr. Bobst has years of experience extracting wisdom teeth. As the highest-rated Oral Surgeon in Boise, he’s dedicated to providing the ultimate experience to each and every patient.

We work with you to create a treatment and post-operative plan that makes the most sense for you. Be sure to contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment or consultation. At Boise Oral Surgery, we are here for you each step of the way!