As your teen prepares to have their wisdom teeth removed, there are a few things you can do to help them (and you!) feel more comfortable about the process. Here are a few tips for preparing for wisdom teeth removal.
Schedule an Appointment with the Dentist
Taking care of your teen’s oral health is important, and wisdom teeth can be tricky. Scheduling an appointment with a qualified dentist, like those at Rabel Family Dentistry, to have their wisdom teeth examined is a great way to ensure good oral health for the future. Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding of the other teeth in the mouth, and an oral examination by a dentist can help determine if the wisdom teeth need to be removed or monitored for any changes. Your teen’s dentist will work with you to make sure their smile stays healthy and beautiful.
Review the Options for Anesthesia
It’s important to have an open conversation with your teen on the subject of anesthesia during a medical procedure. Discussing options can help make them feel more involved in the decision-making process and alleviate any fears they may have about the procedure. Consider the type of anesthesia being used, as well as how long it is expected to last, so that you and your teen can determine which option would work best for them. Be sure that you also ask questions about any potential side effects or risks that come with each option so you are prepared ahead of time. With thoughtful consideration from both sides, you and your teen can decide on an anesthetic regimen that is ideal for their needs.
Help Your Teen to Understand the Procedure and Recovery
Preparing your teen for their wisdom teeth removal procedure is an important part of ensuring that they are comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. When speaking to them about it, it can be helpful to be open and honest about what to expect. For example, speak about the different stages of the procedure, such as anesthesia, removal of teeth, and potential sutures. Talk through how much discomfort they might experience afterward and how long recovery will take. Also, remember to discuss any aftercare instructions with them that they need to follow once they’re home.
Make Sure That Your Teen is Eating a Healthy Diet and Getting Enough Rest
Ensuring that your teen is healthy before surgery is essential for optimal outcomes; incorporating a well-balanced diet and ample rest will help them prepare mentally and physically. Encourage them to abstain from sugary or high-fat foods as they contain unhealthy ingredients that may not support their body in the healing process. Furthermore, they should try to get at least 8 hours of sleep nightly; this will revive muscles and tissues while reducing fatigue buildup leading up to the surgery. Eating a nutritious diet and making sure to rest will ensure that your teen’s wisdom teeth removal procedure is successful.
Ease Their Fears
Having your wisdom teeth removed can feel downright scary! Your teen might be a little worried or scared about the process, so it’s important to help calm their nerves. Reassure them that having this type of surgery is an incredibly common procedure and that they will be in good hands during the process. Remind your teen that afterward, as long as they follow their doctor’s instructions for post-surgery recovery, they can look forward to some quiet relaxation time and a delightful treat of their favorite ice cream flavor. Letting them know that there’s something fun on the other side of the experience can help ease their fear and give them something to look forward to afterward.
Wisdom teeth can often be a source of problems for teens, so it’s important to schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible to have them examined. Review the options for anesthesia with your teen and decide what will work best for them. Help your teen to understand what the procedure will entail and what recovery will be like. Make sure that your teen is eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest before their surgery. Encourage your child with a reward after the surgery, like watching their favorite movie and eating ice cream. Taking these steps ahead of time can help make sure that wisdom tooth extraction goes smoothly for your teen.
