Summer is the most popular time for patients-specifically teens and adolescents-to have their wisdom teeth removed. For many, this can be a scary process, which is why it's up to the dental professional to assuage any fears and anxieties young patients have.
Dr. Jason Auerbach, also known as @thebloodytoothguy on Instagram, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with nearly 200,000 followers online. He's here to share expert insight on wisdom tooth removal and what patients can do both pre- and postop to make their procedure as seamless (and painless) as possible.
How can dental care providers help patients prepare for surgery?
"For a lot of young patients, wisdom teeth removal is their first surgical and anesthetic experience." Dr. Auerbach says. "The best thing we can do is clearly but empathetically normalize it, set appropriate expectations, and help them understand it's safe, routine, and totally manageable. Parents play a huge role. They're often the ones making sure preop instructions are followed and postop care goes smoothly. I always loop them in early."
It's best to be transparent with patients and their caregivers. Be upfront about anesthesia, the procedure, and the entire perioperative period in terms of what they can expect.
"The unknown is scarier than the procedure itself. I tell patients: line up your soft foods, ice packs, and medications ahead of time, and clear your calendar. Recovery takes time, but it is typically predictable if recommendations are taken seriously and if parents and patients are compliant."
What should dentists look for in follow-up care?
"The 'acute phase' is in the first three to four days, with mild to moderate pain, swelling, and some bruising, which is normal, especially after lower third molar surgery. Dr. Auerbach explains. "Inflammation usually peaks 48 hours postop and lasts at that peak level for another 24-48 hours."
"Some oozing is expected, but active bleeding that soaks gauze beyond the first 12-24 hours requires attention. The same goes for escalating pain that's not relieved by prescribed meds. Days three and four are critical because this is typically when a dry socket or a postop infection may begin to declare itself. If pain returns after initially improving, particularly radiating toward the ear or jaw, that's a red flag. Other red flags include increased swelling, fluctuance, warmth, redness, or fever. Some numbness in the lower lip, chin, or tongue may still be present, especially if the nerve was close, but it should improve. Even if it's present the next day, I would want to know as a provider."
Additional tips for patients
At-home care during the first week after surgery is crucial for a proper recovery. Patients should avoid eating anything hard and crunchy-instead they should opt for foods they can mash with their tongue against the roof of their mouth like pasta, ice cream, and scrambled eggs.
Theys should also avoid straws. To rehydrate and maintain their energy levels, it's important for patients to consume calorically dense drinks or those with lots of electrolytes like Gatorade and apple juice.
Dr. Auerbach also advises against swimming for three to five days as open water and even pools can increase infection risk in open mouth wounds. He also tells patients to relax...it's summer! They should not exercise for the first three days after their procedure and generally "take it easy" for up to seven days.
With these tips, you can not only help patients feel more confident going in their wisdom teeth removal but know what warning signs to look out for if infection or abnormalities appear after surgery.
