The thought of getting one’s wisdom teeth out scares many a teen. A week ago I got my wisdom teeth out.
Day Of:
Before the surgery I talked over the procedure with my surgeon. Then I awaited surgery. I would recommend bringing entertainment like a book or an iPod to distract from any anxiety. When I was called in for the procedure, I laid on a gurny and was covered with a blanket. I chatted with the anesthesiologist as I breathed in through a gas mask. The next thing I remember is waking up groggily in recovery. The numbness in my chin and jaw subsided gradually over the next six hours. Because of the numbness, painkillers, and frequent icing, my mouth felt a little sore, but not painful. The rest of the day I sat on the couch and ate soft foods that I could swallow without much chewing. Yum, ice-cream!
Day After:
Supposedly, the day after surgery is the most painful. Although it was noticably more so than the day of, it was not nearly as painful as I had been told to expect. All day I sat around icing my face. Painkillers and medications were my closest companions. I could chew soft foods (like pasta) with my side molars, but not my back ones.
Day 3:
At around 4 a.m., I woke up in pain. This taught me to take my last painkiller of the day right before bed. This was the first day I left the house after my surgery. I could gently brush all the way to my back molars using salt water. I tried to cut down on the pain medication I was taking (three prescription ibpopherens and four Tylenols), which turned out to be a bad idea.
Day 4:
I was in less pain, which meant I could cut down to three Tylenols. The swelling in my jaw was almost gone, although I never did have bruising. I could eat normally, chewing with all of my teeth. I didn’t need to ice my face at all.
Day 5:
The pain had subsided to a dull ache. The swelling in my jaw was completely gone. Chewing came easily, without thinking about where I was chewing. I started brushing my teeth with toothpaste instead of salt water.
Day 6:
No pain in my mouth, it was only slightly sore. My teeth could be brushed thoroughly, but not vigorously. I could open my jaw completely without discomfort. I didn’t need any tylenol, ibpopheren sufficed by itself.
Overall getting my wisdom teeth out was not as bad as it is made out to be. Although it was uncomfortable, it was bearable. If the medications, treatments and suggestions are followed recovery should be quick and noticeable. Its nothing to be nervous about, and once its done you’ll be glad you got it over with.