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Wisdom Tooth Removal Pre-Surgery Checklist

Your team at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery wants to ensure that you are properly prepared for your wisdom tooth removal to ensure a recovery that is as easy and comfortable as possible. To do so it is important that you properly prepare for your procedure and have the right tools for recovery. Below you will find a helpful checklist to make sure you are ready for a successful recovery. If you ever have questions regarding these instructions, please do not hesitate to call our office. Our team is always available to help clarify any of these recommendations.

  • Both Tylenol and Ibuprofen are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. If you do not have these on hand, you can always purchase some when you pick up the prescription pain medicine provided at the time of your surgery.
  • Regular strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) (325mg)
  • Advil (Ibuprofen) (200mg)

  • Make sure to have some soft foods that you like stocked up for after your surgery. Some favorites include ice cream, yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, refried beans, soups, protein shakes, and smoothies.

  • If you have lower impacted wisdom teeth you will be provided a dose of pre-operative antibiotics during the consultation appointment. It is important to take all of the pills provided (typically four), with a small amount of water one to two hours before your surgery unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.

  • Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to surgery
    • It is imperative that you do not eat or drink anything in the 8 hours prior to surgery. The one exception to this is the antibiotic pills you may have been provided or any other medications that you typically take in the morning. These should be taken with a small sip of water. If there are any questions, please contact our office to clarify. Unfortunately, eating or drinking prior to the procedure will render sedation unsafe and may result in the need to reschedule your procedure.
  • What to wear
    • The day of your procedure please wear loose and comfortable clothing. Please remove watches and jewelry prior to surgery.
  • Ride to the appointment
    • You will need a responsible adult to give you a ride to and from the procedure. You will typically be in the office for 2 to 2.5 hours depending on how quickly you recover from the anesthesia. Your ride is welcome to stay in the waiting room during the procedure, but they are not required to do so. They are welcome to step out if they have other errands etc. We ask that they are reachable by cell phone, and we will contact them when you are ready to go home. You should not drive for 24 hours after your surgery. It is preferable that someone be available to assist you the remainder of that day at home.

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