Wisdom Teeth Removal: What are pre-extraction considerations?

Because impacted wisdom teeth can cause a host of problems, wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed oral surgery procedures. However, there are certain pre-extraction considerations that must be examined before a patient moves forward with this procedure.

Patients who are considering wisdom tooth extraction should consult with an oral surgeon to determine if their wisdom teeth are impacted and should be removed. This procedure can prevent issues like abscesses, cysts and tumors that can affect impacted wisdom teeth, which also may cause discomfort and misalignment of the smile as they continue to try to push through the gums.

The patient must have good oral health and be healthy enough in general to tolerate surgery so that the oral surgeon can remove the impacted wisdom teeth. Issues like active infections or gum disease can compromise the patient’s ability to heal after the wisdom tooth extraction. Systemic conditions such as diabetes may also be associated with inflammation that can interfere with healing. Furthermore, you may be instructed to discontinue some medications taken for certain health conditions, such as blood thinners, for a few days in advance of your procedure.

The patient’s age is another consideration when planning for wisdom tooth extraction. Patients are encouraged to have their wisdom teeth removed by the time they reach their mid-twenties. As patients get older, the roots of their wisdom teeth get longer and more solidified in the jaw, which can make it more challenging to remove them. Additionally, because the extraction procedure is more complex in older patients, they may take several more days to recover.

Another part of treatment planning for wisdom teeth removal is choosing a sedation method to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. You may have different options, so discuss the pros and cons of each with your surgeon.

Be sure that you understand all of the pre-extraction instructions prior to having your wisdom teeth removed and are fully prepared to undergo the procedure. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable staff members.

Contact our team at Central Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates today!

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