A wisdom tooth extraction is a type of dental procedure that many people dread. Since it is a type of surgery, patients already have a preconceived notion that they will be in a lot of agony during and after the procedure.

Having your wisdom tooth removed, though, doesn’t mean you will undergo an agonizing surgery and experience excruciating post-surgical pain. By preparing well for this procedure, you will experience a painless wisdom tooth removal in Dubai or in any city you may be located in.

Here are seven tips that will help you prepare for this dental procedure:

1.    Be informed

Once your dentist recommends that you have a wisdom tooth removed because it is already impacted and is causing you frequent toothaches, jaw pain, gum inflammation, and other symptoms, write down all questions and concerns you may have.

Make sure you ask your dentist these questions and that you are satisfied with the answer before you move on to your other concerns.

Some important questions you shouldn’t forget to ask are:

• How long will the whole procedure take?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used?
• What are the possible risks and complications that typically accompany the procedure?
• How long is the usual post-surgery recovery duration?
• Are there any other treatments that I may need after the surgery?

When you know the answers to the questions you have, your fears and concerns will be lessened. Doing so will help you feel more prepared and relaxed days before and during the procedure.

2.    Take some time off from work

If you are working, it is best that you take one or two days off from work after having your wisdom tooth extracted.

This is because you may feel some pain once the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some bleeding and inflammation in the affected area as well. Additionally, you will also be advised by your dentist to avoid taking part in any physically intense activities post-surgery.

To avoid feeling any discomfort at work and be unable to concentrate, simply request for a leave of absence or sick leave.

3.    Prepare your recovery room

Since you need to rest and relax after the operation, make sure your bedroom has everything you need for it to be a complete, cozy recovery area.

Start by placing plenty of prop pillows on your bed and couch since you need to keep your head elevated for the next few days after surgery. Make sure you have a stock of clean gauzes near your bed or couch since you will have to replace them every hour or so. Don’t forget to have an ice pack handy and ice cubes in the fridge as well.

Lastly, make sure you have several jugs of cold water and a glass on your bedside or couch table. It is crucial that you stay hydrated during the post-op period.

4.    Stock your pantry with soft foods

One of the important post-op instructions you have to follow is to eat only soft foods. As such, make sure you have the following in your kitchen:

• Pudding
• Yogurt
• Fruits you can use for making smoothies
• Potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables you can make into mashed or pureed dishes
• Soup
• Oatmeal

It is also important that you avoid eating food and drinking beverages that are hot for the next 24 hours after the surgery. This is because the hot drinks and foods will cause the surgical area to bleed. To reduce bleeding and swelling, opt for cold foods and beverages after the procedure.

5.    Buy the prescribed medicine

During the pre-operation consultation, don’t forget to ask the dentist what kind of medicine you need to take after the procedure. If he or she prescribes something, get these medicines before the surgery.

By doing so, you won’t have to drop by the pharmacy feeling groggy from the anesthesia. You can drink the medicine once you arrive home as well.

6.    Enlist someone to drive you to and from the dental clinic

Since you will be given anesthesia during the wisdom tooth extraction, you won’t be able to drive home or even take public transportation after the procedure. To get home safely after the surgery, ask a friend or family member who can drive to accompany you to the clinic.

If possible, find someone who has already had a wisdom tooth removed. You can then get more information about the procedure from your companion which can further alleviate your fears and worries.

7.    Arrive early on the day of the procedure

Finally, make sure you are your dentist’s clinic 10 or 15 minutes before the appointment time. By arriving early, you will have some time to clear your mind and relax before the surgery.

You will also have some time to ask your dentist any other questions you may have forgotten to do so before. The additional info and assurance you will get from your dentist will also help put your mind at ease and prepare you better for the procedure.

Choosing the best dentist in Dubai (or wherever you are located) to perform a wisdom tooth extraction should also be your priority if you want to have peace of mind before, during, and after the procedure. When you know a highly-qualified and well-experienced dental professional will handle the surgery, you will have nothing to worry about.

AUTHOR BIO

Dr. Zul Paliwalla is the General and Cosmetic British Dentist at NOA Dental Clinic, specializing in smile-related concerns. With over 33 years of experience in the UK, Dr. Zul has successfully worked on and improved many internationally recognized smiles. He is a certified Invisalign® GOLD provider as well and has brought his elite expertise to Dubai not only to enjoy the sun, sea and sand, but also to offer his brand of personalized smile makeovers.