Oral surgery may not be the most exciting thing you look forward to this holiday season but oftentimes, it’s necessary. While it may be inconvenient, especially when preparing to gather with family and friends, there are ways you can continue to heal successfully while also having plenty of fun. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you spend time with loved ones and recover from oral surgery to achieve a healthier smile.

Often considered a rite of passage for patients between the ages of 17 and 25, wisdom teeth removal is a commonly performed procedure. Although it may seem unnecessary to extract them, serious damage and infection can occur if treatment isn’t sought early enough. A board-certified oral surgeon shares three of the most common reasons these teeth are recommended for removal as well as what potential problems can occur if they remain in place too long.