How to Survive Getting Wisdom Teeth Pulled

Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. If there is not enough room in your mouth for them to grow, they become impacted and need to be removed. If you need your wisdom teeth extracted, you can survive the procedure by following these tips.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Follow any directions given by your oral surgeon. If you are getting anesthesia, you may not be allowed any food or water several hours before the procedure starts.

2. Allow time to rest immediately afterwards. You are likely to feel groggy from the anesthesia. Your surgeon may not allow you to leave the office until you have recovered from the effects of the anesthesia.

3. Use any antibiotics or pain killers that are prescribed. You'll probably have pain after wisdom teeth extraction, so the doctor will prescribe a mild pain reliever. Antibiotics help prevent any infections from occurring.

4. Rinse your mouth out following meals. Gently rinsing with warm salt water helps the healing process.

5. Eat liquids and soft foods. Gelatin, sherbets and yogurt are the easiest things to eat following the wisdom teeth being pulled. You can add other foods to your diet once any pain in your mouth and jaw has subsided.

Tips & Warnings

• You will experience pain and swelling for several days after the procedure. If it has been more than 3 or 4 days without any relief, contact your surgeon's office.

• Do not eat very hot or spicy foods while you are healing from wisdom teeth extraction.