Parents!
As your child gets ready for their wisdom teeth removal, it is crucial that you read this guide that we’ve prepared for you. If your children are nervous, remind them that wisdom teeth removal is a common, relatively routine procedure that we do every day. Have your child take a deep breath and assure them that they have nothing to worry about. Tell them that you will have them well prepared, so the recovery will be smooth and maybe even fun.
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed, but everyone should be screened to avoid problems.
Here’s what we recommend you do to prep:
Eating and Drinking
Stock up on smooth, pureed, soft foods, such as ice cream, apple sauce, soup, Jell-O, yogurt, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, smoothies, and oatmeal, ahead of time. After the surgery, have your child start with clear liquids and progress to soft foods slowly.
Don’t let your child use straws or tobacco throughout the healing period. Using straws can dislodge the clot that is covering your extraction site, resulting in a very painful condition called “dry socket”.
Avoid particular foods that are easy to get stuck into surgical sites (granola, berries, popcorn, etc.).
Remember: DO not to allow your child to eat or drink the morning of the procedure or for at least eight hours before the procedure. Pre-approved medications may be taken with a sip of water.
Getting Around
If your child is of driving age, inform them that they may not drive themselves. Minors (<18) must be accompanied by an adult with legal guardianship. In fact, we will not proceed with the extraction if they are alone. Plan to stay for the duration of the procedure (usually about an hour). They may not drive following their surgery.
Relaxing
After surgery, plan to have your child rest at home for the remainder of the day. We highly recommend rest for 5 days. Be prepared to rent some movies, and find a cozy spot on the couch or recliner for your child to relax. Encourage them to sleep the day away. Do not permit them to exercise, go to school, or even get caught up on homework. Too much activity will inhibit proper healing.
Managing Pain
Assure your child that there is no need to worry about feeling any pain during surgery. In fact, we promise no pain nor surprises throughout your experience. We offer a variety of levels of anesthesia to accommodate personal preferences. We are trained and highly experienced with administering anesthesia and will provide your child with a safe and comfortable experience.
Make sure you have pain medications (over the counter and prescription, if necessary) ready to go for when the anesthesia starts to wear off at home. Also, have ice packs on hand in your freezer. This will help with swelling. We will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication when appropriate.
Being prepared for your child’s wisdom teeth removal comes down to taking these simple steps ahead of time. And your child’s recovery experience depends on it. Prior to surgery, we will send you and your child home with very specific pre/post-surgical instructions so that you know exactly what to expect.
You are in expert hands at Inland Institute Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgery. If you have any remaining questions, call us today and speak with someone in our Upland, CA office at 909-982-8888.