Important Things to Do Before Wisdom-Teeth Surgery

Dentist Blog

Have you been told by your dentist that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Are you wondering how you can prepare for your upcoming surgery? Although some people don't have wisdom teeth that need to be removed, the surgery is still extremely common. Getting ready for the big day isn't complicated, but there are still a few things that you need to remember before that dental appointment. Some of the most important ones to remember are the following.

Stock up on soft foods: After you have your wisdom teeth removed, you may not feel like eating any solid foods for a while. Your dentist will probably also tell you that you need to avoid eating actual food for a certain number of days after your surgery. And most people won't want to go shopping for a while either, so you should make sure that you have a supply of food and beverages on hand before your surgery. Once you do eat, your mouth may be too sore for anything but the softest of foods. Broth, yogurt, and applesauce can make good liquid and semi-liquid meals. Ice cream or frozen yogurt may also work, but the cold temperatures may cause pain instead of being soothing. Avoid anything with noodles, rice, or other substances that could get stuck between your teeth or in your stitches.

Get extra pillows: After your wisdom teeth are removed, it may be uncomfortable for you to lie flat in any position for at least a few days. If you don't have a reclining chair that you can sleep in while recovering, it's a good idea to buy several extra cushions or pillows to help you make a "nest" either in your bed or on your couch. Since you'll probably be using these pillows for a week or less, they don't need to be the expensive premium pillows that you may be used to; spending just a couple dollars on each pillow should be sufficient for your needs. If you don't want to spend money on buying more pillows, spare blankets and comforters can also be used to pile up and make a soft area for you to recline and sleep in.

Have a ride home: If you don't have any family in the area, it can be a challenge to find someone to drive you home. However, if you can't find any friends or relatives to do the driving, then you should call a taxi to take you home. Whether your wisdom teeth are removed under general or local anesthesia, the painkillers you receive afterward will make it so that you're in no condition to drive. To avoid being involved in an accident, don't even drive yourself to the dentist lest you think that you're capable of driving when you're not. Take a bus or taxi to the appointment, and then take a taxi home.

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29 November 2016

Emergency Dental Care

The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.