Instructions for Sedation

To ensure a safe and successful procedure, please follow these important pre-surgery guidelines:

1. No Food or Drink

   Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for 8 hours before your appointment.

2. Bring a Driver

   Arrange for someone to come with you and drive you home after your procedure.

3. Dress Comfortably

   Wear short sleeves. Please avoid sandals or flip-flops.

4. Contact Lenses

   Remove contact lenses before your appointment. (Soft lenses are okay.)

5. Jewelry & Piercings

   Remove all jewelry, including nose, lip, and tongue piercings, before surgery.

6. Cancellation Policy

   We require 48-hours’ notice for cancellations. Otherwise, a charge will be applied.

• Be honest about all medications and substances you’ve taken, including over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, alcohol, and recreational substances. This information helps us avoid potentially dangerous interactions with anesthesia.

• Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before your procedure, as it can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.

• Plan ahead for your recovery. You’ll need to rest at home for a couple of days, so set up a comfortable recovery space in advance.

• Stock up on soft foods for your return home. Options like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, and ice cream will be gentle on your mouth as you heal.

Our team at Redlands Oral Surgery is here to guide you through every step of the process—before, during, and after your procedure.

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal

It’s completely natural to feel a little anxious about wisdom tooth removal, but at Redlands Oral Surgery, you’re in experienced hands. Our team has performed countless wisdom tooth extractions with precision and care, making the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what typically happens during the procedure:

• A small incision is made in the gum to access the tooth and surrounding bone.

• If necessary, a portion of bone that covers the tooth root is gently removed.

• To ease removal, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces.

• Once the tooth is fully removed, the area is carefully cleaned to prevent infection.

• The gum may be stitched closed to support healing.

• Gauze is placed over the site to control bleeding and begin the healing process.

Our team is here to make sure you’re informed, relaxed, and well cared for every step of the way.

Following your wisdom tooth extraction, proper aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. While some swelling and discomfort are expected, closely following your oral surgeon’s instructions can help prevent complications—especially dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged.

Here are key tips to support safe and effective healing:

• Expect light bleeding during the first day. Replace gauze as instructed, and avoid spitting or rinsing forcefully, which can disrupt blood clot formation.

• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling for the first day. Most swelling will subside within 48–72 hours.

• Take pain medication exactly as prescribed to stay ahead of discomfort.

• Avoid drinking with a straw for at least 2 weeks, as these can interfere with healing.

• Stay hydrated and stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and pudding for the first 24 hours. Gradually reintroduce semisoft foods as tolerated.

• Absolutely avoid smoking for at least 72 hours. Smoking greatly increases the risk of infection and dry socket, and delays your recovery.

Our team at Redlands Oral Surgery is always here to answer questions and support your healing. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns after your procedure.