If you are an older adult who still has their wisdom teeth in their mouth, then you may want to think about an extraction at some point. Extractions are often recommended in situations where complications have developed or where they are anticipated. As an adult, there are a few things that you should be doing to prepare for your wisdom tooth removal. 

Schedule Late In The Week

Teenagers who go through the extraction process can typically return to normal activities in as little as 24 to 48 hours. They heal quickly and have fewer complications and swelling issues. This is not always the case with an adult though. Due to age, you are likely to experience more swelling and pain than a teenager or young adult. This means that recovery may last three to four days, and many people do not want to go to work with a swollen mouth and throbbing pain in the jaw. For this reason, you should think about scheduling your appointment on a Thursday or Friday so you have the opportunity to rest over the weekend. 

Keep in mind that you may want to take an extra day off if you are taking narcotics due to high levels of pain, or if you are bleeding or feeling nauseous. Narcotics and bleeding can lead to dizziness that makes it dangerous to drive and operate heavy machines. 

Stress can also inhibit the healing process and can make you more susceptible to infections, so this may be another reason to take a few extra days for your recovery. 

Consider Anesthesia

If you are an adult, then the wisdom teeth have had many years to solidify themselves in your jaw. This means they are strongly held in place by the bone and they may be difficult to remove. Your dentist may need to cut into the jaw bone. Even if this is not necessary, a lot of wrenching is often needed to release the tooth roots.

So, to reduce your uneasiness with the procedure, speak with your dentist about the possibility of more advanced anesthetics or sedatives during the extraction. General anesthesia is not necessary, so nitrous oxide or laughing gas is typically the best option. Wakeful sedation may be an option as well. And, if you pick anesthesia, you will need to prepare a bit more beforehand by scheduling a ride home and not eating for hours before the procedure. 

If you want to know more about the adult removal of wisdom teeth, speak with a dental professional.

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