How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal: A Checklist
Preparing for wisdom teeth removal can feel a bit stressful at first, but the process can become much easier if you are well-prepared and know what to expect. In this article, our dentist Perth will provide you with simple, practical steps to help you feel ready and confident before your procedure.
Preparing Your Home for Recovery
Getting your home ready before wisdom teeth extraction can help you recover more comfortably and quickly. Here’s how you can create a peaceful recovery area and some items we suggest you prepare before the surgery:
Choose a Quiet Room: Choose a room that is calm and quiet. This could be your bedroom or a guest room where you can rest comfortably.
Comfortable Bedding: Make sure your bed has clean, soft bedding and extra pillows to support your head and help reduce swelling.
Keep Essentials Close: Put everything you may need on a bedside table that is close to you, including a water bottle to stay hydrated without having to get up, tissues and wet wipes for easy cleanup, and a small trash can.
Medications and Supplies: Keep your prescribed medications, gauze, and any pain relievers in a clear container with instructions so that you or your caregiver knows exactly what to take and when.
Entertainment and Comfort Items: You can also prepare a few things to help you relax and be occupied while you recover, such as books, magazines, or an e-reader. Keep your remote controls and chargers close and within reach. Preparing a calming playlist with headphones or soft background music can also help you stay relaxed as you recover.
Snack Preparation: Prepare some soft and easy-to-eat snacks that do not require much chewing, like yogurt, pudding, or soup and keep them in an accessible place in your kitchen.
What to Do the Night Before
The night before your wisdom teeth extraction is important to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some simple steps to take regarding your diet, medication, and relaxation:
Eating and Drinking
Finish Eating Early: Try to eat your last meal 8-10 hours before your surgery and; keep it light and avoid anything heavy or greasy.
Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day, but remember to stop all fluids at least 2 hours before your surgery to follow typical pre-surgical instructions.
Medications
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: If your dentist has prescribed any pre-operative medications, take them as directed.
Avoid Certain Medications: Avoid taking blood thinner medications like aspirin or ibuprofen unless your dentist says it’s okay.
Sleep and Relaxation
Create a Restful Environment: Create a calm and comfortable space to sleep, and try to avoid screens or bright lights for an hour before bed to help your body relax and get ready for rest.
Try Relaxation Techniques: If you’re feeling anxious, try activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practising deep breathing exercises.
Get Plenty of Sleep: Make sure to get a good night’s sleep because rest is important for your recovery. Try to sleep for at least 7-8 hours.
On the Day: Before You Leave Home
Being prepared on the day of your wisdom tooth extraction can make everything go much smoother. Below, you can find a simple checklist of what to bring and why having someone to drive you is so important:
Last-Minute Checklist: What to Bring
Official ID and Medical Cards: Bring any form of identification with your health insurance information.
Contact Information: Have a list of emergency contact numbers, including your dentist’s office.
Comfort Items: Pack a small bag with items like lip balm, a soft scarf, and sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light after the procedure.
Payment and documents: Ensure you have a method of payment and bring any pre-filled forms that the dental office requires.
Arranging Transportation: Why It’s Important
Safety First: It is not safe for you to drive after the procedure because you will still be groggy due to the anaesthesia you received.
Comfort and Convenience: Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home so you can relax without worrying about dealing with traffic.
Emergency Contact: It’s a good idea to have someone with you to talk to the dental staff and ask about anything you may need after the procedure because you may not feel well right after the surgery.
Communicating Effectively with Your Dental Team
Try to communicate clearly with your dental team and ask any questions you may have before the procedure. Here are our suggestions:
Key Questions to Ask Before the Procedure
Details About the Surgery: What steps will the procedure involve?
Anaesthesia Used: What type of anaesthesia will be used, and how may it affect me?
Expected Recovery Time: How long does recovery usually take, and what can I expect during that time?
Potential Complications: What are the common and rare complications I should be aware of?
Post-Procedure Care: Could you explain the aftercare instructions I need to follow?
Expressing Concerns or Allergies
Be Open and Direct: Clearly mention any concerns you have about the procedure or recovery. You can also ask for clarification if something isn’t clear for you or makes you uncomfortable.
Discuss Allergies and Health Conditions: Inform the dental team about any allergies, especially to medications, and discuss your current health conditions or medications you are taking that may affect the surgery.
Managing Pre-Surgery Anxiety
If you have anxiety about your wisdom teeth extraction, it is important that you learn some techniques to help calm your nerves before you go to the clinic. Let’s go over some of these tips:
Techniques to Calm Nerves
Deep Breathing: Try slow, deep breathing to help reduce stress and anxiety. Breathe in deeply through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth.
Listen to Music: Make a playlist of soothing or favourite songs to help distract and relax your mind.
Visualisation: Think about a smooth wisdom tooth removal procedure with an easy and smooth recovery afterwards. Picture yourself healing quickly and feeling comfortable soon after.
The Role of Support from Family or Friends
Moral Support: Having someone you trust with you as you prepare for surgery can make you feel more supported and at ease.
Practical Help: They can help with things like driving you to the clinic and helping with paperwork.
Post-Surgery Care: Knowing you have someone to take care of you after your dental procedure may ease your anxiety about recovering.
For further reading about wisdom teeth, refer to our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
Ready to Take the Next Step Towards a Swift Recovery?
You can book a pre-surgery consultation with us and let our team guide you through each stage of preparation for your wisdom teeth removal. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information and support to ensure you feel confident and informed before the procedure.
Our clinic is here to support you with any dental emergencies—contact our emergency dentist Perth for help. Furthermore, we are proud to be a HBF preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, NIB preferred provider, Bupa preferred provider, and Medibank preferred provider dentist in Perth. Contact us today (08) 9474 5083 to schedule your consultation and take control of your dental health journey. Let us help you prepare for a smoother recovery.