Preparing Your Teen for a Surgical Tooth Extraction

If you’ve ever gotten a surgical tooth extraction, you might remember feeling daunted about the procedure. It doesn’t feel any easier for your teenager, who is most likely anxious about getting this procedure. However, with the proper preparation, you can ease their fears, which will go a long way in helping the surgery go hitch-free.

Many dental conditions require surgical tooth extractions, from impacted wisdom teeth to severe cavities. These conditions are common among teenagers and can cause complications if left unattended. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida,  Nancy Horton, DMD, provides dental care for all ages, including surgical tooth extractions that require skill and expertise.

Here, Dr. Horton offers tips to prepare your teen for a surgical tooth extraction, detailing what the procedure entails, why it’s necessary, and the benefits for your child’s oral health. 

Why your teenager might need surgical tooth extraction

With routine tooth extractions, we pull a tooth out of the gum with forceps. On the other hand, in a surgical extraction, we make an incision into the gum tissue to access the tooth before we extract it. Surgical extractions are required when the tooth is impacted, partially broken, or located in a way that requires careful removal to avoid affecting other teeth.

There are several reasons your teenager might need a surgical tooth extraction. One of the most common reasons is an impacted wisdom tooth, which causes pain, swelling, and infection. If we can’t save a damaged or decayed tooth with dental treatments, we need to remove the tooth.

Preparing your teen for the procedure

The first step in preparation is to have an honest and open discussion with your teenager about what a surgical tooth extraction entails. It’s essential to explain the reasons for the extraction, what the procedure involves, and why it’s beneficial for their oral health. Encourage them to ask as many questions as they need to ease their fears.

The day before the procedure, ensure your teenager gets a good night’s sleep. Follow any pre-operation instructions Dr. Horton gives your child, such as not eating or drinking anything 12 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia will be used. Clear their schedule on the day of the procedure and ensure they are in comfortable clothes.

Before the surgery, let your teen know you are there to support them before, during, and after the extraction. Knowing you’re there for them will be incredibly comforting and reassuring. 

Post-procedure care

After the surgical tooth extraction, your priority is to make your teen’s recovery smooth. Right after the procedure, they might feel groggy if we used sedatives or general anesthesia. Dr. Horton tells you when and what your teen can eat or drink next. They should avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that irritate the area.

It’s normal for them to experience some pain and swelling. Dr. Horton typically prescribes pain medication. You can also use a cold pack to help reduce any swelling. Ensure they use the cold pack in intervals — 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off — to prevent any damage from the cold.

Your child must maintain their oral hygiene no matter how uncomfortable it may feel after the procedure. After 24 hours, they should rinse their mouths gently with warm salt water to help keep the area clean.

For a few days after the procedure, your teen’s diet should consist of soft foods that require minimal chewing, like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. Gradually, as they feel more comfortable, they can return to a regular diet but continue to avoid any hard, sticky, or crunchy foods until the extraction site has fully healed.

Don’t miss any follow-up appointments with Dr. Horton. These appointments allow us to monitor the healing process, address concerns, and ensure your child is recovering as expected. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling that worsens, or signs of infection like fever or pus, come into the clinic immediately.

Preparing your teen for a surgical tooth extraction doesn’t have to be stressful for you or them. With thorough preparation and Dr. Horton’s expertise, the procedure will be as smooth and painless as possible. Book an appointment online with her today or call 813-879-9299.