I had my upper left wisdom tooth extracted two weeks ago. Just went back for my last post-op visit this afternoon.
I am the world's biggest coward at the dentist so when I found this one had to come out (it was partially erupted and a piece of the visible part actually broke off somehow -- so the whole thing had to come out to avoid infection later) I was NOT HAPPY. (I hate doctors and any kind of surgery). My dentist sent me to an oral surgeon.
First of all I cannot be knocked out or have "gas/sweet air" because I have a condition called vaso-vagal syncope which makes general anesthesia more dangerous. So I knew it had to be done with only a local (carbocaine, no epi).
The advantage to having just the local is that you CAN eat right before the tooth is pulled, unlike with a general where you are not allowed to eat for 6 hours prior. So I stuffed myself with food, knowing that it would be the last 'solid' meal for awhile!
My procedure was called a 'partial bony impaction'. It look about 5 minutes for the local to take effect, and another maybe 10 minutes for the actual extraction and suturing. Perhaps 15 minutes at the very most but I doubt it was that long. The ONLY thing I felt was less than 10 seconds of pressure during the actual removal, and I was wide awake for the entire thing (though I admit, with my eyes closed!).
I was given a Do/Do Not List which I followed, and drove myself home.
One thing I did do was get the prescription for the antibiotic BEFORE going in for the extraction. I took the first pill right before I left for his office. I recommend this, and it is standard procedure before most hospital surgeries so why not this one? It also saves you a trip to the drugstore afterward.
He gave me a prescription for Vicodin which I handed right back, because no way will I take that stuff. I deal with pain with Advil, nothing stronger.
The worst part of the post-op was the first 2 days. When you get home, immediately start with the cold compresses. The BEST cold compress is to buy a few bags of frozen peas. Wrap the bag in a tea towel before putting it against your face. The bag of peas will easily mold against the contours of your face. It is much more comfortable than any of those plastic ice things, and it doesn't leak either. When it starts to get less cold, just put it back in the freezer and take one of the others.
Stock up on yogurt, cream of wheat or rice, and baby food. That will easily get you through the first few days.
When you go to sleep, use at least 2 pillows -- preferably three -- for the first few nights.
A demitasse spoon will fit in your mouth much easier than a teaspoon, when eating.
DON'T TRY TO TALK for at least the first 2 days. The longer you can take it easy, the better. This is a good time to catch up on all the movies you've been meaning to rent, and emails you've been meaning to write! The less you move around, the better.
Your face may bruise but it will go away in about 10 days.
Everyone heals at their own pace. Don't worry if you heal slower than what the post-op instructions say. It took me 12 days to feel entirely normal even though the area was visibly healed in 6. Younger people (under 50) usually heal faster, we Boomers
take a bit longer.
You'll be fine as long as you don't expect to be running around doing pushups in 48 hours or anything ridiculous like that.
Take it easy, give your body a chance to bounce back, and you'll be fine. If you have any concerns or if you taste anything weird in your mouth over the next few days, don't hesitate to call the oral surgeon and ask to come in for a look-see -- that's what he/she is there for, and what you're paying for!
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