A few years ago, I was told that I would need to get my wisdom teeth removed. Fast forward to this past week, and I finally went through with the procedure. It took some time to come to terms with the decision, but once I did, I made sure to take the right steps to get it done properly.

Here are the best practices I learned from my wisdom teeth removal journey:

Find a Reputable Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon

I found my surgeon through a recommendation from an orthodontist I truly trusted. She referred me to the best of the best, and luckily, he was not only highly regarded but also the head surgeon at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and recognized by Best of Boston in his field.

Meet with the Surgeon for a Consultation

This step is crucial. Make sure to meet with your surgeon for a consultation before anything is done. In addition to bringing CT scans from previous dental visits, I also opted for an expensive new CT scan so the surgeon could get a detailed view of my dental situation. My periodontist initially told me she could only remove one tooth, but my surgeon assured me he could remove all four without hesitation. He also suggested being sedated with anesthesia, which I ended up moving forth with.

Book Your Procedure Appointment

Make sure you have nothing scheduled for the week after your surgery. Recovery takes time, and you’ll need rest. I recommend booking the earliest possible morning appointment so that you’re the first patient of the day.

Do Your Research

Watch as many YouTube videos as you can! Look for anesthesia info, healing experiences, and personal vlogs about the recovery process. The more you know, the better you can mentally prepare. Also, be sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Make a Pre-Surgery Shopping List

A few days before your surgery, stock up on essentials. Here’s what I grabbed:

• Pain Relief: Tylenol, Ibuprofen
• Other Supplies: Gauze, head-wrap ice pack (highly recommend this!), salt for saltwater rinses
• Food & Drinks:
  • Trader Joe’s Pre-made Meals: Tomato red pepper soup & miso soup
  • Smoothie Ingredients: Orange juice, frozen banana, frozen pineapple, and frozen mango chunks
  • Homemade Soup: Spinach, chicken stock, asparagus, and onion. Blend ingredients and then heat on the stove top for about 30-minutes to an hour on medium-low and add salt.
  • Healing Drinks: Pineapple juice, water & Coffee with chobani oat milk
  • Snacks: Applesauce, chocolate pudding (with almond milk)

Make sure your living space is ready for recovery too! I love having my heated electric blanket, especially since it’s freezing out in the Northeast.

The Day Before: Eat Clean

Eat clean the day before surgery. I had salmon, kidney beans, and sautéed spinach for dinner. Keeping your body nourished will help you recover faster. Also, try to go to bed early the night before the procedure.

When to Stop Eating & Drinking

Your doctor will likely advise no food after midnight on the night before your surgery. You can have clear liquids (like coffee or Gatorade) up to two hours before the procedure, although check with your surgeon’s expectations.

What to Wear

Go for comfort! Wear sweatpants, a loose t-shirt, and a zip-up sweatshirt. You’ll want to be comfy for both the surgery and recovery.

Bring a Post-Operative Angel

You’ll need someone to drive you to your appointment and wait for you during the procedure, remember the post-operative instructions. They’ll also be your “guardian angel” and make sure you get home safely. If possible, ask if they can take care of you for the rest of the day.

After Surgery: Gauze & Prescriptions

You’ll likely be drooling a lot, so make sure you have enough gauze to keep things under control. After the procedure, stop by CVS to pick up your prescriptions.

At Home: Rest & Recovery

Once you’re home, get ready to binge your favorite TV shows! Immediately make yourself a smoothie and take it slow—be careful not to swallow too hard, or you might dislodge your blood clot (which is crucial for healing). Then, take your first dose of ibuprofen and Tylenol, and settle in for some well-deserved rest. Throw your pink ice head wrap on and chill out. You are now on the road to recovery!

Do you have advice to prepare for Wisdom teeth surgery that I may have left out?! Leave your advice in the comments.

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