"So we're about to rip out your teeth, would you like them in a necklace?"
When I was first told that I would have to get my wisdom teeth out I was a little nervous. Eventually I figured that so many people get theirs done it would be no problem. This encouraged me all the way up from scheduling my appointment, which fell over my spring break, to when I was actually in the chair.
When I first got there they were very nice. They took an x-ray of my teeth and everything was all good. My dad was there making me laugh. I even got to have a blanket. Then they lost my x-rays.
At this point I was like wow that is a little weird, but when they found it I felt better. That was until they told me that I was going to have an IV put in to give me the anesthesia. If you know me I hate needles with every bone in my body.
I was freaking out a little bit, but my dad calmed me down. Soon after they put the IV in I was starting to feel the affects. Words started coming more freely and I wasn't thinking at all before opening my mouth. I complained about the pain of the needle and then started crying about sad dogs movies. The last thing I heard before falling asleep was "Yeah, she's going to wake up crying. It is more common for girls to cry rather than guys."
Then it was black.
I have no clue how long the surgery took, but I know it wasn't that long. Waking up in a strange room was not weird and all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. I was actually getting quite mad that no one would let me sleep. Instead of becoming angry I started to cry. I cried and complained about not being able to nap for a good hour to so.
Once I got home my dog made me feel a little better. Day one and two went by pretty fast, considering I basically slept through them. Day three and four did not go as well. I was in so much pain I figured I probably had a dry socket. After a phone call to the doctor we found out that the pain was normal. So at this point I just had to deal.
It is two weeks later now and I'm feeling a lot better. Eating is still a little bit of a challenge because I'm very self conscious about getting food in the holes. I am not about to get an infection or a dry socket. Can I even get a dry socket at this point? I have a lot of unanswered questions still. My mom, unfortunately, does not know everything.
So here are my words of advice for people that have to get their teeth out.
~ Listen to your doctor
They are smart and know what they're doing. They're also helpful and there if you have any questions or problems.
~ Don't use a straw, smoke, or do anything that requires sucking for awhile post op.
You'll thank me on this. I heard dry sockets hurt worse than that moment Harmabe got shot.
~ Take it easy
Use this time to be pampered and babied. Adults do not get life breaks that often so relish in this one.
~ Ice cream is your best friend
No one cares about your diet when you get your wisdom teeth out. Eat all the ice cream you can because it's easy to swallow and won't hurt to chew. (This is because you don't chew ice cream. Unless you're some mutant)
~ Finally, go to sleep
I have heard that being awake for the procedure is terrible. If you do choose to stay awake bring ear buds and crank up the music to try to drown out the sounds of your teeth crunching and being ripped out of your mouth. Also take as many naps as you can. The more you're asleep the less you are awake to experience pain!
