Getting your wisdom teeth pulled is a very common oral surgery that comes with minimal risks and can eliminate any pain or discomfort that your wisdom teeth have been causing. In many cases, removing these teeth will also prevent spacing issues since wisdom teeth often result in the teeth becoming overcrowded. Consequently, it is always a good idea to act quickly once your dentist recommends the removal of these teeth. However, there are a few things that you should know before your appointment with an oral surgeon to have this procedure completed. 

#1: You Will Need Someone To Drive You Home

While having your wisdom teeth extracted is an outpatient procedure, general anesthesia will need to be used when completing this procedure. Consequently, you will be unable to drive yourself home after this procedure. In most cases, an oral surgeon will require you to have someone present who can drive you home before they begin the procedure. If you are planning to use a medical ride service to help you get home after this procedure, be sure to discuss this option with your oral surgeon's office before the day of your appointment. 

#2: You Should Make A Pain Management Plan

Patients are typically discharged rather quickly once the extraction procedure is complete. As a result, most patients will still be experiencing the effects of the anesthesia when they leave the oral surgeon's office. However, these effects will begin to wear off quickly and some individuals may experience moderate pain in the hours after their surgery. While it is standard practice for oral surgeons to prescribe painkillers after a wisdom tooth extraction, patients will often be unable to drive to a local pharmacy to have this prescription filled immediately following this procedure. Consequently, you will want to make sure that you either have someone available who can pick up a prescription for you in a timely manner or ensure that your pharmacy will be able to deliver the medication to you quickly. 

#3: Everyone Reacts Differently To The Anesthesia

It is quite common for people to have a reaction to the anesthesia used during a wisdom tooth extraction. However, not everyone will react in the same way. While many people experience inhibition or even a sense of euphoria, others will have a more emotional response. Since there is no way to predict how you will respond to this medication, it is important that you choose a trusted friend or family member to be with you until after the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. 

Contact an oral surgeon today to learn more.