5 Ways Parents Can Prepare Children for Wisdom Teeth Removal

A photo of a group of teenager friends smiling
flushing awardAs you and your child prepare for your child’s wisdom teeth removal, they may be nervous. Begin by reminding them that wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that we do every day in our office. Assure them that they have nothing to worry about.

Tell them that you have received all the instructions you need to be well prepared for a smooth and maybe even fun wisdom teeth removal experience.


Here are the 5 ways you can prepare for your child’s wisdom tooth extraction:

  1. Make sure you have plenty of your child’s favorite smooth, pureed, and soft foods on hand. We recommend ice cream, apple sauce, soup, Jell-O, yogurt, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, smoothies, and oatmeal. Immediately after surgery, give your child clear liquids and then slowly progress to soft foods. Do not give your child straws during the healing period because they can dislodge the clot that is covering the extraction site, resulting in a very painful condition called “dry socket”. Also, refrain from giving them particulate foods, such as granola, berries, popcorn, that easily get stuck into the surgical site. Finally, warn them that tobacco use will deter their healing and possibly lead to serious complications.
  2. Plan to take the day off work, so you can accompany them to the surgery. Even if your child is of driving age, we will not proceed with the extraction if they are alone. The procedure usually takes about an hour. Please plan to stay for the duration.
  3. Insist your child rest at home after surgery for the remainder of the day. Stock up on movies and set your child up in a cozy corner of the couch. We recommend they relax at home for several days. This will ensure a smooth recovery. Sleeping is an excellent way to spend the first day. Do not let your child exercise, go to school, or even do homework. Too much activity will inhibit proper healing.
  4. Assure your child that they will feel no pain during the surgery and that we are trained and highly experienced with administering anesthesia. We will provide your child with a safe and comfortable experience. We recommend you have ice packs in the freezer ready to go for when you return home. This will help with swelling. Over the counter pain meds may do the trick to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia begins to wear off, and we’ll give you pain medication prescriptions as well.
  5. Do not allow your child to eat or drink the morning of the procedure or for at least eight hours before the procedure. Pre-approved medications may be taken with a sip of water.

Preparing for your child’s wisdom teeth removal comes down to taking these 5 simple steps ahead of time. Your child’s recovery experience depends on it. Prior to surgery, we will send you and your child home with very specific pre/post-surgical instructions so that you know exactly what to expect.

Your child is in expert hands at Flushing Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. If you have any remaining questions, call us today and speak with someone in our office.

For more information about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.

Are you suffering from wisdom tooth pain?

Call our Flushing NY office (347) 943-1960 to schedule an a consultation with Dr. Li or Dr. Fan or