This past week, I was lucky enough to get all four of my wisdom teeth out and my mind was spinning hours before the surgery. My emotions were out of control and I was scared, yet excited, to get my teeth out. Here are some of my thoughts before the surgery and I hope that this will relax any nerves you have.
1. What if I can feel the surgery?
I was lucky enough to be awake during my surgery. I was given "twilight," a medication that goes in through an IV and you're awake but not really there. I was so nervous that I was going to feel the teeth being ripped out or the needle full of Novocaine going into my gums, but I felt nothing. You can trust the oral surgeon, they do this type of thing every day, and there is nothing to be afraid of.
2. How much pain will I be in afterwards?
Again, I was lucky enough to not feel much pain. You will be given pain killers which will work wonders. The only discomfort I've felt since getting my teeth out four days ago is soreness. No real pain and no real swelling, but it's different for everyone. Again, there is nothing to worry about, because you'll have pain killers and ice to help.
3. When will I be able to eat again?
The night before getting surgery was difficult, especially if you like to eat/drink before bed. From midnight on, you are not allowed to drink or eat anything. You may have a little sip of water to take any medication that the doctors recommended, but only a little sip. After getting your teeth out you aren't suppose to eat anything hot for the first five to seven hours, so here's the fun news -- you get to eat ice cream, milkshakes and slushies for the first day. After a while, your appetite will come back and you'll be hungry. Do not eat anything that really necessitates chewing, as that could cause some pain. Good foods to eat are: soup, pasta, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, etc.
4. Will I be loopy after my surgery? Like in all those videos?
I was so excited to be loopy after my surgery. My little brother also stayed home from the beach until he got a video of me to post on his YouTube channel. I came home and he had his phone out, and everything. I wanted to play along so he could get a video, but the first thing I said to him when I got home was, "I look a mess, if I was still loopy, I wouldn't care but I'm not and I look like hell." I honestly don't know how those people stay loopy after surgery. Most likely after getting your teeth out you won't be loopy, just extremely tired and puffy.
5. How long can I milk this before my family knows I can get ice and food myself?
This is probably the best thought I had before I got surgery. I knew that I could trick my brothers into thinking I was in a lot more pain than I actually was. The first two days I got a lot out of my siblings. I got my one brother to fill my face mask with ice and get my a slurpee. The next day, I got my other brother to get me Panera when I could finally eat food. Having brothers is great because they act like they're too tough to be nice to you, but when it comes down to it and you really need help, they'll always be there to help.
Getting my wisdom teeth out was probably the best decision I've ever made. My teeth have been causing so much pain in my mouth that the second I got them out, I could feel the relief in my jaw. Getting your teeth out is very nerve wracking and I should know -- I cried while the oral surgeon was explaining everything to me -- but I can tell you because I'm still here and currently eating chicken nuggets -- it will be OK and there is nothing to be afraid of.
