Sunday, June 8, 2014

My Wisdom Teeth Extraction Experience (TMI)

This past Friday, I had my four impacted wisdom teeth removed.

Now, I'm the type of person who wants to know exactly what they're getting into. So leading up to the operation, I had watched several wisdom teeth experience videos, read on mayoclinic what the surgeon does, and read up on things to watch out for after my operation. This didn't necessarily put my mind at complete ease but I felt very prepared and knew exactly what to expect.

I fasted for about six hours and had my operation scheduled for the early morning. I hooked up to a heart rate monitor and had laughing gas to put me at ease. Although I didn't find the gas to make me laugh, I did feel the effects of the gas which made my extremities extremely heavy. I took the general anesthetic intravenously and within a few seconds I guess I passed out.

I only remember dreaming a short dream where I had to follow my dentist around a forest. We kept walking towards the sun but there were these leaves and branches in the way. So I would get glimpses of the light every time I pushed away the leaves but the leaves would just keep blocking my view. Later, I figured that was just the illusion of hands moving across my face blocking the light they shine on your mouth. I don't know how I woke up and I don't remember anyone shaking me or calling my name.

However, when I did wake up I wasn't delirious or in some kind of trance. I was pretty much aware of what was going to happen next. I remember opening my eyes and the first thing I asked was how long did it take. Then I asked for a mirror so I could see what I looked like and I asked to see my teeth that were removed. I was briefly taught how to take care of myself for the next several days. Then before I knew it, I was escorted out into my car and driven home.

I was told that I would have a pretty easy recovery since my dentist was able to remove my teeth in whole pieces rather than cutting up my teeth and removing it that way. Which I agree with. My worst days in terms of pain was probably the day of the surgery and the day after. However, I never resorted to any pain killers that were prescribed to me except for some motrin for my inflamed jaw.

Now that it is Day 3, I can say that I'm just dying to eat a decent and filling meal and that the only pain I can feel is just pain from my cheeks rubbing up against the wounds on my gums which isn't too bad as it sounds.

To anyone who is afraid of removing their wisdom teeth, I recommend that you remove them as early as possible before they grow too large. If you're worried about the pain afterwards, it's not that bad if you know what to expect. I would say the worst thing about this whole thing is that you just can't eat whatever you want because I have been hungry the past 3 days. If you just find a surgeon you trust and some time that you can take off, then go for it!

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