Wisdom Teeth Process in San Antonio, TX
Dedicated Appointment Policy
Your appointment is your time. We ask that you arrive no earliar than 15 minutes before your scheduled time, late arrivals may need to be rescheduled. Please let us know at least 96 hours (4 days) in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule.
What Sets our Oral Surgery Office Apart From the Rest?
– Dedicated Appointments: We do not double book the schedule.
– Dedicated Focus: We limit our schedule so we can remain 100% focused on YOU.
– Respect the Golden Rule: We treat everyone the way we want to be treated
– Concierge Care: We will be in touch with you every step of the way
– One Centralized Location: Solely for the purpose of 210 Wisdom Teeth patients.
We are intentionally different for your benefit.
What type of Anesthesia is used?
It all depends on your comfort. Every patient gets Local Anesthesia next to the wisdom teeth for excellent pain control before, during, and after the procedure. Excellent local anesthesia with time for it to work is the secret to a comfortable experience. Some patients are nervous about the procedure, for that, we offer IV or Oral Sedation vs Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). We will do everything we can for you to have a comfortable experience. We take the time to serve YOU (we do not double book the schedule or over book, your appointment is your time). We only use safe, time tested, reversible conscious sedation medications. We do not use General Anesthetics that carry additional risks. With us, you have options. We believe every patient is unique and deserves options based on need and affordability. We are here for YOU!
Worried about dry socket after wisdom teeth extraction?
We are continuously striving to provide our patients with the most optimal care based on the latest wisdom teeth removal research developments and science. Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy has been shown to speed up recovery, reduce after surgery pain and swelling, and significantly reduce chances of developing dry socket. PRF Therapy can take your chances of developing dry socket from 10% down to 1%, meaning you are ten times less likely to have dry socket complications. Best of all PRF therapy is completely natural and comes from the beneficial growth factors within your own blood. A small sample of your blood will be taken, spun in a centrifuge, and placed back into the wisdom teeth extraction areas. This brings your own 100% natural defense mechanisms and growth signals from your blood directly to your extraction sites for a better recovery experience. Ask about PRF therapy - you will want it, and we have it available!
What type of pain medication will I get?
We electronically send in prescription pain medications the moment you arrive so its ready by the time you get to the pharmacy. During recovery, pain is controlled by both anti-inflammatory prescription strength medication AND controlled substance prescription strength narcotics for the initial 2-3 days. As you heal, you will rely more on the anti-inflammatory medications and less on the narcotic medication. Dr Malya will work with you to develop a pain control plan that works for YOU.
Xray & Oral Examination
After taking a panoramic xray and evaluating your mouth, our doctor can provide you with a good understanding of the current health of your wisdom teeth and may be able to predict if there will be any future problems. Studies show that the best outcomes for patients are achieved by early evaluation and treatment when necessary. Patients usually get evaluated during their teenage years for wisdom teeth. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, we will advise you on the risks vs benefits.
Why should I remove my Wisdom Teeth?
If you notice bad breath, stuck food, red/bleeding gums, and/or cheek irritation it could be a sign of wisdom teeth problems. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, come see us, we promise to advise you on the risks vs benefits of wisdom teeth removal. Patients usually have a better experience and more comfortable recovery between 16-25 years of age when the wisdom teeth roots are not completely formed. After age 25 there are increased risks of bone loss during healing and time out of work which leads to more costs in the long run. Preventing problems on the wisdom tooth itself or adjacent teeth before they happen is always best.
Sedation Instructions
- Do NOT Eat or Drink anything for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. This will ensure a safe sedation experience.
- Take your regular medications with a sip of water at your normally scheduled time on the morning of surgery.
- Stay well hydrated the day before with water. Avoid coffee, caffeine, alcohol.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does NOT restrict access to your upper arm or ability to breathe.
- Wear flat shoes for safety and balance
- Remove nail polish and fake nails, as this may prevent our sedation monitor from working.
- For men, beards should be trimmed as neatly as possible.
- Bring a responsible Adult (>18years of age) who will drive you and monitor you for the next 24 hours.
Setting Expectations Right & How to Prepare
- Twilight Sleep is moderate conscious sedation (we do not provide General Anesthesia)
- We only use safe, reversible time-proven medications for sedation
- You will be able to respond to instructions but your memory will be limited.
- You do not have to have sedation, we have multiple options for your comfort – either way we will ensure safe, comfortable care.
- If you are able, please pick up jello, mashed potatoes, clear broth soups, gatorade a few days before to be better prepared. Maintaining nutrition during healing is very important.
- Have fresh linens/towels at home to place on your pillow or use while recovering.
- Ice packs (or even ice cubes in a ziplock bag) will help you for the first 24 hours.
- You will need to take plenty of rest for the first 1-2 days after your procedure.
- Plan on having a friend or relative with you for the initial day after surgery.
Post Operative Instructions
In most cases, the recovery period is brief, lasting only a few days. Take pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed. The following tips will help speed your recovery:
On the Day of Surgery
Post Surgery
Swelling
On the Day of Surgery
- Do NOT eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours prior
- Take your regularly scheduled medications with a sip of water unless advised differently.
- Stay well hydrated the day before (avoid alcohol, caffeine, and coffee)
- Wear loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
- If having sedation, you must arrive with a responsible adult (>18years of age) to drive.
Post Surgery
- Do not use a straw or spit for the first few days. Sucking on a straw or spitting can loosen the blood clot and delay healing- causing a painful dry socket.
- Do not smoke or vape for at least 48 hours after your surgery. Smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring toxins/chemical contaminants to the surgery area.
- While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, tongue.
- Rest elevated, do not lie flat. Lying flat will cause more bleeding/swelling.
- Put an old towel on your pillow, so you do not drool on or stain your covers
- Use ice packs for 10 minutes on/10 minutes off for the first 24 hours.
Post Surgery
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process where the body brings in good factors to help heal the site and defend against infection. Controlled swelling is expected for the 1st 48 hours and then reduce after.
- Use an ice pack for 10 minutes on/10 minutes off for the first 24 hours, which will help with pain and swelling.
- Take rest after surgery, watch tv, try not to run around as this may increase bleeding/pain.
- Eating is important! Eat soft foods such as Jello/Pudding/Clear Soups for the first 1-2 days. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
- Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
- Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.