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Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that frequently appear in a person’s late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, most people don’t have space for an extra set of molars. In many cases, wisdom teeth may not develop appropriately and become stuck in the jawbone.
Timely wisdom teeth removal can prevent serious issues including damage to otherwise healthy molars, crowded teeth, jaw pain, and damage to the jawbone. For many people, a wisdom tooth extraction is the first surgery they’ll experience.
As routine as the procedure is, we understand that it can be an intimidating ordeal for teens and parents alike. This guide will allow you to prepare for a successful procedure and speedy recovery, as well as help your child feel less anxious.
Choosing the Right Oral Surgeon in Arizona
Finding the right oral surgeon is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful wisdom teeth removal for your child. There are plenty of skilled oral surgeons out there, but it’s important to choose one who is experienced and helps you and your child feel comfortable.
What to Ask During the Consultation
Before deciding on an oral surgeon, schedule a consultation. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask important questions and gauge the surgeon’s approach to care. Here are some questions to consider:
- How many wisdom teeth extractions have you performed?
- What types of sedation options do you offer?
- What should we expect during the recovery process?
- How do you handle complications, should they arise?
The answers to these questions will help you feel confident in your choice and prepare you for what lies ahead.
At Dental Specialty Associates, it’s our mission to provide comprehensive care in the comfort of a dental office you already know and love. We proudly offer a full range of sedation options, including IV sedation, to provide safe and comfortable wisdom teeth extractions in Phoenix and Gilbert.
Once you’ve found an oral surgeon who helps you feel comfortable, you can start preparing your child by explaining what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
How to Prepare Your Child for Third Molar Extractions
- Talk to Your Child About the Surgery
It’s natural for your child to feel nervous about having their wisdom teeth removed. Take the time to explain the procedure in a way that’s easy for them to understand. Let them know why the surgery is necessary and what they can expect.
Address any concerns they have, and reassure them that it’s a routine procedure. Remind them that they’ll be asleep or very relaxed during the surgery, thanks to sedation.
Explain what type of sedation the surgeon plans to use, how it’s administered, and what it will do to keep them comfortable and pain-free. If you’re unclear about any of this, ask your surgeon for appropriate literature or websites you can share with your child.
- Setting Your Child Up for Success
Starting surgery day right can make all the difference in how comfortable your child is during and after their wisdom teeth removal.
- Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions about eating and drinking. This is crucial to keeping your child safe during sedation. They may need to avoid eating and drinking for eight hours or more before their surgery.
- Plan to rest the entire day. Your child should avoid exercising, arrange for time off from school and work, and not be expected to do housework. Prepare a comfortable spot to relax when they get home, and stock your kitchen with plenty of soft foods like smoothie ingredients, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and bananas. Protein and good nutrition are vital to a healthy healing process.
- Arrange transportation to and from the appointment. You or another adult may be expected to wait on the premises throughout your child’s surgery. In any case, they will not be able to drive themselves home after the surgery.
- Don’t forget your documents! Before you leave for the appointment, be sure you have your dental insurance card, credit card, and any necessary paperwork.
- Surgery Day: How to Prepare and What to Expect
On surgery day, have your child wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. They should not wear makeup, lotion, powder, or dark nail polish, which can interfere with sensors that monitor blood oxygen levels.
Be sure they brush and floss before the appointment to remove any plaque or debris.
You’ll want to arrive at the oral surgeon’s office a bit before the scheduled time to avoid unnecessary stress and give yourself time to handle any last-minute paperwork.
Your child will be prepped for the procedure, and our team will administer the necessary sedation. We’ll give it time to take effect to ensure your child’s total comfort throughout the procedure. The surgery itself usually takes about an hour, but this can vary.
After the surgery, your child will spend some time in a recovery room where they’ll be monitored as the sedation wears off. Once the oral surgeon gives the all-clear, you’ll be able to take your child home to begin the recovery process.
- Preparing for a Smooth Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your child might be groggy and disoriented after the surgery, so make sure to have a plan for getting them home safely. You can put comfort items like a cozy blanket in the car for the ride home.
Your oral surgeon may give your child an ice pack to hold on their face, which will help minimize swelling. They may also have gauze in their mouth. Urge them to bite gently to keep the gauze in place and change it every 30 minutes until their bleeding slows down.
Post-Surgery Care: After the surgery, your child will likely experience some swelling, pain, and possibly mild bleeding. The oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to manage these symptoms, which may include:
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- Taking prescribed pain medication as directed
- Eating soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, or mashed potatoes
- Avoiding straws, as sucking can dislodge blood clots and delay healing
It’s important to keep your child hydrated, but encourage them to drink from a cup rather than using a straw.
Signs to Watch For: While complications are rare, it’s important to monitor your child for any signs of issues, such as:
- Persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
- Fever
- Pus or unusual discharge from the surgery site
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your oral surgeon right away. Following all post-operative instructions carefully will help minimize the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Trust Dental Specialty Associates for Safe Oral Surgery in Arizona
Preparing your child for wisdom teeth removal doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the procedure, choosing the right oral surgeon in Arizona, and following these preparation and recovery tips, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
With your support and the expertise of a skilled oral surgeon, your child will be back to their normal routine in no time. Schedule your consultation to discuss your child’s wisdom teeth extraction with our expert surgical team.
