Wisdom Teeth & Teens
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure that we perform in our office every day. Your child is in excellent hands with Dr. Eaton, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He is also a Fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, and North Carolina Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a North Carolina State Examiner and North Carolina State Anesthesia.
We know that even when your child is in the care of the best oral surgeon in the state, wisdom teeth removal can be scary. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you feel less nervous and prepare you for what to expect.
Tips for Parents: Wisdom Teeth Removal
Teenage wisdom teeth removal is a common surgery that typically has a very smooth recovery if your child follows the post-op instructions we provide. Have them do (or not do!) the following:
- Don’t eat or drink during the 6 hours leading up to sedation.
- Don’t wear flip flops, jewelry, or nail polish to your surgery.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and secure long hair back with a binder.
- Leave your cell phone at home or with your parent/guardian.
- Make sure that you, as the parent, remain in our office during your child’s procedure. We will not start the procedure unless the patient has an adult present to drive them home.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and secure long hair back with a binder.
FAQs
- I’ve replaced the gauze pads several times, and I am still having trouble with bleeding. What should I do?
Don’t panic. Here’s some tricks that help stop the bleeding. Saturate a tea bag with cold water and place it in your mouth, directly over the bleeding area. Bite down gently but firmly for about half an hour, and that should do the trick. If not, please give us a call.
- Can I wear my retainer right after surgery?
Yes, wearing a retainer will not harm the surgical site(s).
- When can I go back to sports, gym, or band?
We recommend that you take a week off, and then return to your normal activities. A good rule of thumb is that it’s safe to resume your everyday schedule once you’re eating and drinking, consuming your normal calorie intake and not taking ANY narcotic pain medication.
- When will the swelling go away?
Swelling usually peaks by the third day and then slowly decreases each day but may take a week or so to completely go away. Use the post-op instructions we gave you and follow them closely.
- Should I wake my child to administer medication?
No. There’s no reason to interrupt your child’s rest. If your child is having pain, they can request medications when they wake up.
- Grocery List
Getting prepared ahead of time will ease the recovery process and ensure your child consumes plenty of soft food calories the first day. Calorie consumption is key to a speedy recovery.
Stock up on foods like mac n cheese, Jell-o, pudding, ice cream, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and protein shakes that your child can enjoy over the first 24 hours. After that, progress slowly to harder foods as your child can tolerate it.
Avoid nuts, berries with seeds, and any drinks that require a straw. Drinking with straws can cause dry socket, a painful condition in which the blot clot is knocked loose from the wound, preventing healing.
Get to know us.
At Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we know how to help you. Our board-certified surgeons and expert staff can provide the care you need to relieve the discomfort you feel.
