Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common procedure in Greenville, SC and the rest of the United States. Many people simply do not have enough space in their jaw to accommodate a third set of molars, causing the wisdom teeth to become impacted. Fortunately, many trusted dentists in Greenville, such as Dr. Kenna of Downtown Dental, offer wisdom teeth removal services.
Upon learning the need for wisdom teeth removal, many patients instinctively research about how to ensure a smooth recovery after the procedure. However, the steps you take before the procedure are just as important. As such, it is in your best interest to ask your dentist the following questions at least two weeks before your procedure:
What type of anesthesia do you use?
Most dentists will have a variety of anesthesia options on-hand. This allows your dentist to choose the most appropriate sedative for your situation. You may want to talk about these options with your dentist beforehand, especially if you suffer from dental anxiety of any kind. This is also a good time to talk about any concerns you may have regarding certain anesthesia options.
Do I need to undergo fasting prior to the procedure?
The answer to this will likely depend on the kind of anesthesia used for your procedure. Certain food may affect the effectiveness of anesthesia, and the last thing you want to happen is for the sedative to wear off too early. In the event you accidentally forget to fast prior to the procedure, be sure to inform your dentist so he can adjust the dosage.
Should I stop taking my prescription or non-prescription medication?
Similar to how food and liquids may affect the effectiveness of anesthesia, certain medication may also have adverse effects. For example, aspirin is known to inhibit blood clotting. Supplements also fall under this category. For example, supplements with gingko bilboa may cause abnormal bleeding. Go over your list of medication and supplements with your dentist carefully.
Do you anticipate the need for other dental treatments in the future?
In certain cases, people who have significantly impacted teeth may require additional procedures later on. This is because the growth of their wisdom teeth has caused physical or structural damage to neighboring teeth. Naturally, these procedures will only be done once you have fully recovered from wisdom tooth removal.
Sources:
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out: Five Things Everyone Should Know, colgate.com
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal, angieslist.com
