Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Are Pre-Extraction Considerations?

Oral SurgeryHaving your wisdom teeth removed can have significant benefits for your oral health and your general well-being. However, there are a number of considerations to be evaluated before the procedure is performed.

Because wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure, the patient must be in good enough health to tolerate that procedure. Your oral surgeon will request information about your medical history and may want to speak with your doctor for additional background.

Similarly, your smile must be healthy in order for you to have your wisdom teeth removed. In particular, any active infection or gum disease can interfere with proper healing and make you more susceptible to complications after the procedure. Your oral surgeon will examine you prior to the extraction to make sure that no signs of gum disease are present.

Patients typically opt for sedation for maximum comfort during the wisdom tooth extraction, so your surgeon will discuss these options with you in advance of the procedure. There may be different delivery methods for you to choose, and certain ones may come with some restrictions. For example, many sedatives will still have some effect on you by the end of the appointment, so you’ll likely need to make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you until the sedative wears off completely. You may also need to fast for a period of time prior to your procedure.

In preparation for your extraction appointment, you will receive a list of pre-operative and post-operative instructions. We strongly encourage you to follow these instructions closely to minimize your risk of complications. Problems like dry sockets or infection can cause significant discomfort after wisdom tooth removal and may prevent the healing process from progressing.

There are a number of pre-extraction considerations when having your wisdom teeth removed. Our expert staff members can educate you on those factors at your initial consultation. If you are interested in having your wisdom teeth removed, contact us at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas today!