If your teen’s mouth doesn’t have enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt without causing pain, then the teeth will likely need to be removed.
This is a common procedure for teens and often has a short recovery time.
When you know of a date for the surgery, plan ahead by getting foods for your teen to eat.
As well as a few other things that will make the recovery process as comfortable as possible.
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Getting Home
Even if your teen can drive, you’ll need to take over because of the medications that are given. Wisdom tooth extraction is usually an outpatient procedure that is sometimes done in an oral surgeon’s office. However, intravenous sedation is used so that your teen won’t feel any pain and won’t know what the oral surgeon is doing. This medication will make your teen feel dizzy and unsteady while walking, so you need to be able to take the time off from work or other tasks that you need to do in order to take your teen home.
Stay Elevated
When your teen is home, encourage keeping the head elevated. Prop pillows on the bed or on the couch for comfort and to keep the head in the proper position. Fluids associated with swelling will drain easier if the head is raised. Fortunately, most swelling tends to go away after about 24 to 48 hours.
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Get soft foods for your teen to eat as well as any medications that are prescribed as some oral surgeons will give you a prescription before the day of surgery so that it’s already on hand when your teen gets home. Pudding, applesauce, and protein shakes are good options to keep in the home so that your teen gets nutrients and doesn’t get dehydrated.
Plenty Of Rest
For the first few days after getting the wisdom teeth removed, you should let your teen rest as much as possible as this will aid in the healing process. Try to keep noises to a minimum while keeping your teen from doing a lot of work around the house as increased blood flow could result in bleeding at the incision site. After a few days of relaxing, your teen should be able to go back to school or work.
The wisdom teeth can be a pain in the mouth. When they don’t have enough room to get through the gums, they need to be removed. Offer encouragement as much as possible while ensuring that your teen takes all medications as directed and eats foods that are appropriate.
If you liked this article, check out our article, 7 Common Myths About Dental Care Debunked, and 6 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth as you Age!
Resources:
Salinas Valley Tooth Extractions
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