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Wisdom teeth removal is so common that it’s nearly a rite of passage—but if you’ve ever had to deal with a teen who’s wary of surgery and about to be put on a liquid diet, it might seem like you’re the one getting ready for surgery. Surgical procedures can be scary no matter what age you are. However, when you’re the caretaker of someone who’s inexperienced with surgery, it’s time to pony up and help them understand what to expect. It all starts with finding a great oral surgeon. A reputable oral surgeon will explain the wisdom tooth removal process clearly. In cases where patients are particular fearful of procedures, the tools might be shown and explained before the day of surgery. As a parent or guardian, you might want to be there during the explanation process as a refresher course for yourself. Try to think of the procedure from a teen’s perspective and ask questions they might be too shy to bring up. The Day Before Get two copies of the prep instructions—one for you and one for your teen. Follow them to the letter, starting the night before surgery. They’ll be asked to stop eating at a certain time and you may need to head to the store for some OTC pain relievers, yogurt, soups and ice cream. Rest is the biggest factor in the success of wisdom teeth removal, and that’s pretty tough when someone is uncomfortable, cranky and hungry. Getting a good night’s sleep is also important, since the body needs to be rested in order to best heal after surgery. In some cases, your oral surgeon may recommend a mild sedative before surgery—this is only for the most anxious patients—and might also prescribe anti-anxiety medication that needs to be taken before heading to your appointment. A Calming Effect There’s a good chance you’ve had your own wisdom teeth removed, and sharing your experience can be very helpful. Don’t sugarcoat it (remember those super puffy chipmunk cheeks?) but do your best to explain your own procedure in an “It wasn’t a huge deal” attitude. Even though some teens can be surly, it’s comforting to hear about someone else’s experience. Plus, this is a prime opportunity to spoil them with their favorite soft foods—encourage them to take advantage of it. If this is your teen’s very first surgery of any kind, it’s cause for a mini celebration. Surgery is a big deal, even when it’s a minor procedure like removing those wisdom teeth. While dentists are prone to celebrating with some giveaway toothbrushes and floss, which is helpful but not necessarily what a teen wants, you can always surprise them with a new comfy blanket or an ice cream scoop from their favorite local shop as a treat when they get home. You may know from experience that wisdom tooth removal post-op can be a little uncomfortable, but the wounds generally heal quickly. Your teen will get through this, but expect a few days of pampering (and Netflix binge sessions).
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wisdom teeth romoval, oral surgery, oral surgeon, tooth extraction, wisdom tooth extraction,
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