Getting your wisdom teeth pulled is almost like a right of passage. You hear about it while growing up, but it is always some distant event. It won’t really happen to you. Then, it does, and you’re terrified. The instant anyone finds out you’ve scheduled the surgery they bombard you with horror stories of dry sockets, swollen mouths and side effects of whatever drugs are going to be pumped into your system... you’re not sure which, because you didn’t actually bother to watch the informative video or read the pamphlets. What’s the point, anyway? It will be done regardless of whether or not you know about all the possibilities of nerve damage. Ignorance is bliss. However, when the time comes, and it will come, there are some thoughts you just can’t help but experience, even if they are absolutely ridiculous.
1. Are my lips still there?
You feel puffy, swollen and numb, and you’re beyond certain that doctor…what was his name? He was nice. Wait! No he wasn’t! He stole your lips!
2. I'm bleeding.
Obviously, you’re bleeding. They just ripped teeth out of your mouth, but it seems like some great revolution the moment you realize it.
3. I love you guys.
OK, you’re drugged, but everyone just seems to go out of their way for you, regardless of how grumpy you are. Why are they being so nice? They offer to get you whatever you want, bring you blankets and make sure your ice packs are in place. At this time you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by how much you love your friends and family. It’s almost enough to make you cry, and you just might. I mean, how could you not? They’re all just so great.
4. I'm going to be a chipmunk forever!
At times, it feels like the swelling is never going to fade. You’re certain you’re going to be a chubby faced chipmunk-looking freak forever. You’re not.
5. Mmmm smoothies....and ice cream
They’re a god send. Seriously. You don’t have to open your mouth and the icy blast feels like heaven on your bruised and swollen mouth. You might start to question what the point of “real” food is anyway.
6. I can't wait to brush my teeth.
Sure, you can brush them…carefully, but they never truly feel clean. You start yearning for that fresh from the dentist type of feeling, and you can’t wait for the day when you can really get in there and give your pearly whites the attention they deserve.
7. Everything hurts.
This thought will cross your mind more times than you or I care to admit. It’s surgery, so naturally, it will be painful, but it doesn’t last forever. The drugs will wear off, the swelling will go down, the antibiotics will do their work and the pain will recede. Before you know it you’ll be back better than ever, and the process will all be just a distant memory. One you will use to add to the anxiety of those undergoing surgery for years to come. So, sit back and grab a milkshake. This too shall pass.
