Are you struggling with painful wisdom teeth that need to be removed? Preparation is key to a successful surgery, but many patients aren’t sure what they need to do in advance. If you’re experiencing the signs you need oral surgery, here’s what you can do to make your experience easier:
Grocery Shopping
The first thing you’ll want to do when you know that you are getting your wisdom teeth out is to head to the grocery store. It will be a few days before you can tolerate your normal diet, so be sure to purchase lots of soft foods. You might want pudding, yogurt, applesauce, ice cream, and broth to fill you up.
Prepare Ice Packs
If you don’t already have some at home, purchase a few ice packs. These can be used on the outside of the face to minimize swelling and also minimize pain in the jaw area. Always make sure to wrap your ice packs in a clean cloth to prevent damage to the skin from the frozen pack.
Purchase Medical Supplies
There are a few other things you may want to pick up while you’re at the store. While your dentist will likely prescribe some stronger painkillers for the first day or two following your surgery, you might want to have some over-the-counter pain medicine on hand as well. Pick up some Tylenol or similar painkillers to keep you comfortable.
In addition, make sure you have lots of gauze. During the first day or two following surgery, you will keep the gauze over the surgery site to minimize bleeding and oozing. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist as to the frequency of gauze changes.
Keep a Supply of Salt
During the early days following your oral surgery, avoid brushing the spot. However, it’s still important to keep your wound area clean. To do this, rinse with salt water throughout the day. You’ll especially want to do this following meal time, even if you are only eating soft foods. Be prepared with a stock of high-quality salt for your rinses.
Plan To Stop Smoking
Not only should you stop smoking before your surgery, but you will also need to refrain from smoking in the days following your surgery. Smoking can lead to complications including more pain, swelling, and even dry socket. If you know that you won’t be able to go three to four days (or longer) without your nicotine fix, be sure to pick up some nicotine patches that will allow your wisdom teeth area the time it needs to heal without inhaling smoke.
Preparation Is Key
When you know that you’re about to have oral surgery in Winnipeg, preparation is truly key to making it successful. Plan your shopping list accordingly so that you’ll have everything you need to be comfortable in the days following your surgery. From grocery shopping to medical supplies, the above list will get you through it!