Lurker with wisdom tooth extraction questions

[jlovelysoul]

Hi, I'm scheduled to have my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on June 5th due to recurrent infection. It's partially impacted but will still require some drilling and breakage possibly. I will be awake during the extraction with LA and NO. I'm not very squeamish when it comes to medical things but for some reason I'm very nervous about this along with recovery. I've dealt with an ongoing infection for almost a month and I'm so ready to get this thing out despite my nerves. Can anyone sure their experience or have any tips and tricks that will make recovery easier? I know about no straws and soft foods for the first couple days. This may be a silly question but I'm a side sleeper. Can I sleep on my right side or will need to sleep on my back to prevent the clot from becoming loose? We will be taking a beach vacation 10 days post extraction and I'm really hoping to be back to eating normally. Any advice would be appreciated.

[loony]

May 26, 2018 21:10:35 GMT -6 jlovelysoul said:

Hi, I'm scheduled to have my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on June 5th due to recurrent infection. It's partially impacted but will still require some drilling and breakage possibly. I will be awake during the extraction with LA and NO. I'm not very squeamish when it comes to medical things but for some reason I'm very nervous about this along with recovery. I've dealt with an ongoing infection for almost a month and I'm so ready to get this thing out despite my nerves. Can anyone sure their experience or have any tips and tricks that will make recovery easier? I know about no straws and soft foods for the first couple days. This may be a silly question but I'm a side sleeper. Can I sleep on my right side or will need to sleep on my back to prevent the clot from becoming loose? We will be taking a beach vacation 10 days post extraction and I'm really hoping to be back to eating normally. Any advice would be appreciated.

I had all four impacted wisdom teeth taken out at the same time when I was 20. I was under General.

I don’t remember the first four days, except for waking up and looking like my 400lb grandfather...man those jowls are hereditary.

I don’t really remember anything other than needing to keep up my pain meds and needing lots of pudding.

I’m sorry you have to deal with this as an adult.

[leahcar]

No straws for much longer than they say.

I had all 4 of mine out when I was 17. I was in bad shape for a long weekend, but then ok except for straws. I had my surgery on a Friday and was back to work & school Monday. But I was also young. MH had the same surgery mid-20s and a similar experience as far as downtime.

Mashed potatoes and jello are your friends! Hope recovery goes well.

[jenna]

Make yourself a few icepacks so you can rotate. I think a lot of people like using Dawn or dish soap cuz it doesn’t freeze completely so it’s soft.

If you’re still in a lot of pain after a couple days, call your dentist! I think dry socket is more common than they say, and it’s more likely to happen if you’re on birth control. Dry socket sucks but they can fix you right up.

[GhoatMonket]

Is IV sedation not an option? Because it's fantastic. You will be fine with what you will have though.

I only took one dose of the "good" drugs, then used ibuprofen after that. Once I got home and was relatively with it, I packed tea bags (wet them first) in the back of each side of my mouth and basically drooled into a cup for a bit (sexy).

I ate a grilled cheese like 3-4 hours post surgery, so I'm probably not the best example when it comes to that. I just made a good point to eat with my front teeth and rinsed well when I was done.

They said nothing about sleep positions to me that I can recall. Good because I have no control over that. I sleep how I sleep.

[jr]

I have no advice because mine was 15 years ago and I don’t remember much. (Also, I got dry socket, so basically you don’t want to do anything I did, whatever it was. Just call right away if the pain is getting worse instead of better.) But I just wanted to comment to say I also had nitrous oxide, and it made the surgery actually a really good experience! 😂 I just remember feeling in love with the world the whole time.

[jlovelysoul]

Thanks, yeah I'm 37 so definitely on the older side for the procedure. I'm thankful it's just one and not fully impacted. I just want to be able to enjoy myself on vacation and not develop any more infections and complications. The funny thing is it never bothered me until about 6 months ago and then I started getting small irritations from food getting stock in the gum for a few days here and there that always resolved in a couple of days. The last irritation actually turned into an infection and my dentist prescribed an clindamycin round. Finished that round on a Thursday and felt much better. We went on a weekend trip and infection came back on Monday. Back on ABX, stronger round this time. It is clearing the infection but I'm just hoping and praying its totally resolved this time.

[jlovelysoul]

May 26, 2018 21:31:44 GMT -6 GhoatMonket said:

Is IV sedation not an option? Because it's fantastic. You will be fine with what you will have though.

I only took one dose of the "good" drugs, then used ibuprofen after that. Once I got home and was relatively with it, I packed tea bags (wet them first) in the back of each side of my mouth and basically drooled into a cup for a bit (sexy).

I ate a grilled cheese like 3-4 hours post surgery, so I'm probably not the best example when it comes to that. I just made a good point to eat with my front teeth and rinsed well when I was done.

They said nothing about sleep positions to me that I can recall. Good because I have no control over that. I sleep how I sleep.

IV sedation is an option but it's double the price and we don't have dental insurance, only a HSA and I have some other health issues going on that require those funds. I think if it was fully impacted or if I was getting more out I'd go for the sedation though. I stocked up on tea bags and it's good to know they didn't say anything about sleeping positions. I at least want to be able to sleep comfortably.

[babybean]

I was awake for all of mine and they were impacted too. I took one dose of pain meds both times (I did two teeth at a time) and nothing after, I didn’t feel I needed it. The drooling was the worst for me, and craving things I couldn’t eat.

I think I slept slightly propped up the first few nights but am not sure. I can’t think of any advice that you don’t already know, good luck!

[Yogurt]

I'm 37 and I need to schedule to have all of my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm scurred.

[Pistol]

When I had mine out, I had 3 removed at once (that was all I had) and I had them knock me out. It was amazing and when H had to have his out I told him to get knocked out as well. So glad he listened. I would lay on the couch with my face on an ice pack and roll every 20 minutes so that it switched sides. I don’t see why you couldn’t lay on your side after, I don’t recall them saying anything about it to me. I pretty much lived on scrambled eggs and toast for a while. After you eat, you’ll want to swish some water around and spit it out before putting fresh gauze back in. I think I only had a few days of the soft foods. But as for your vacation, be prepared because there will be bruising and swelling. Though, at 10 days out you will probably be clearing up and able to cover what’s left with make up.

[reginaphalange8]

I had all four of mine out at once under IV sedation. It was quite pleasant. I wasn’t able to sleep on my side with a pillow touching my face because my cheeks blew up like massive balloons and I had ugly yellow bruises lol

I would beware of medication and probably just take the strong stuff. I didn’t want to take the codeine and was taking two Advil and two Tylenol every four hours or whatever it was. It resulted in me puking my guts out which was awful with a mouth I could barely open.

If your pain starts to increase after a few days then go back to the dentist because you probably have a dry socket. Worst pain ever and I had one because Instulidky forgot about the no straws thing for two sips.

[nevertoomanyshoes]

I had all my impacted wisdom teeth out under general in my early twenties. Ice packs around the jaw and keeping up with pain meds. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need meds wise- I ended up needing additional from my PCP to what the hospital gave me because it wasn’t lasting any where near until when I could have the next dose.

I think it varies so much though, I have a good pain tolerance but was in agony for a week, my cousin had the same surgery, took OTC Tylenol plus for a couple of days and was fine.

[hufflepug]

I had all four impacted wisdom teeth out under twilight sedation in my late teens. For me, it was very much a non-event. Pain afterwards was minimal and I was fine with just Tylenol. I was at a party the next day.

I had my lip tie corrected and some extra gum tissue removed around the same time and that was a much more painful recovery.

I hope it goes smoothly and painlessly for you.

[cmb]

I had a single wisdom tooth, partially erupted, removed in November because it was causing problems (I have my other 3 still). No straws for about 2 weeks and keep up with the pain meds. Take your first dose before the injection wears off. Ask for antibiotics as well, but it sounds like they may already give you them. I needed ice packs for about 3 days.

I did IV sedation (very reluctantly but the surgeon would not do laughing gas and will only do it if there’s some form of sedation), but I made them agree to no narcotics in the IV. I was out shopping the next day, and was able to keep up with the pain with just extra strength Advil for about 2 weeks.

Because it was just one, I was able to eat real food same day- you just eat on the other side. Drink cold coffee for a couple days or whatever your morning beverage of choice is. Avoid alcohol for a few days.

For sleep, incline your pillow a bit for the first few days and go to bed with an ice pack. I knew the moment the Advil wore off because I’d wake up in pain

ETA- make sure you do your salt rinses multiple times a day.

I had my lower left removed, and with just one, your swelling may not be that bad. By day 3, I looked normal. They made me stay out of work for 5 days, but I would totally have been okay going back day 2-3

[cmb]

May 27, 2018 0:08:39 GMT -6 Yogurt said:

I'm 37 and I need to schedule to have all of my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm scurred.

The surgeon I went to would only remove the one(s) that were causing problems if you are over 23.

[jt2378]

I was 36 and had 2 that were impacted removed. Like you, I developed an infection in one of them and was very painful. I had IV sedation and was BF a 6 month old at the time so I was so anxious about being out of commission. All went fine, I wasn’t going to take painkillers and didn’t need them. I think I used Advil for a day. I did do ice faithfully the first day and a half or so and had no swelling or bruising. All this to say I was older and all went great so all the horror stories sometimes don’t necessarily mean it will happen to you. GL, you will feel so much better getting it taken care of!

[boycebear]

I had all 4 of mine out at once, plus another 2 that were on top because one of my wisdom teeth was apparently on its side and growing along my jaw. I had it under conscious sedation (not conscious at all, that was some good shit). My recovery was probably 4 days, I ended up with an infection, but one dose of stronger drugs, then continue with ibuprofen and everything was fine. I also froze some new dish cloths to bite down on, I cannot recommend it enough.

I'm sure you'll be fine, even if it takes a couple of days to recover, at least all the shit will be over and done with, you won't regret it in the end.

[jabbers]

Since you will be awake, I would ask if you can bring earbuds and an iPod. The sounds that come with extracting teeth, especially wisdom teeth, are not great to listen to.

Get Tylenol and Advil so you can switch on and off once you’re off the heavy pain meds. Also, there are a few other things you’ll have to avoid (nuts, seeds, tortilla chips, etc) for the first few days, but I’m sure they’ll go over that with you. We always had patients come back for a 10 day post-op, so ask if they do that and make sure it’ll fit in your schedule.

Oh, and I would avoid sleeping on your right side for a few nights. It will probably be pretty uncomfortable for you.

Good luck! Hope it all goes smoothly and you’re able to enjoy some good food on your vacation.

[smilesp]

I had all four out with IV sedation when I was 21. Two impacted and two pulled. I was pretty much back to normal almost immediately other than eating soft food for a couple days. I didn’t take any pain medicine. I didn’t have any bruising and very minimal swelling. I don’t remember having to sleep any particular way. Basically, it was a piece of cake but I don’t think my experience was typical.

[ftwr]

MH had all 4 of his removed on a Friday in February of last year. Friday and Saturday sucked for him. He took the vicodin on schedule those days to stay ahead of the pain. He slept in the recliner those two nights. On Sunday he slept in bed and went back to work Monday and didn't need any ibuprofen or anything at that point.

I fed him pudding and mashed potatoes. It wasn't as bad as I expected but worse than he expected. He thought he was going to be like GhoatMonket but he was not lol

[frantastic]

All 4 of mine were impacted and removed under general anesthesia when o was 21. It sucked.

My brother had all 4 taken out under local anesthesia, and he was just a little sore for a few days.

If they give you the syringe thing to flush out the socket, be sure to keep up with it. Food can get stuck really easily until the socket closes up a bit.

[mishy]

I had three of mine removed last year (apparently I only had three). I just had the numbing and it was really no big deal. One of mine needed to be broken and cut open a bit to remove but it didn’t take longer than 15 minutes from when I was fully numb then walking out the door. I never needed the pain killers and just took ibuprofen for two days. I did ice once or twice.
I ate soft foods for a few days and was more annoyed that I couldn’t fully smile or laugh bc it would hurt. I didn’t have any difficulty sleeping on my side so hopefully it’s the same for you.
The sutures were annoying and I kept messing with them but they fell out pretty quickly.

[GhoatMonket]

May 27, 2018 7:56:53 GMT -6 ftwr said:

MH had all 4 of his removed on a Friday in February of last year. Friday and Saturday sucked for him. He took the vicodin on schedule those days to stay ahead of the pain. He slept in the recliner those two nights. On Sunday he slept in bed and went back to work Monday and didn't need any ibuprofen or anything at that point.

I fed him pudding and mashed potatoes. It wasn't as bad as I expected but worse than he expected. He thought he was going to be like GhoatMonket but he was not lol

My coach's 20 year old son didn't eat solid food for 2 weeks (no dry sockets). I laugh when I hear most male's stories about their removal because it's generally closer to that than what your H had (except my H who got his removed the first day of boot camp and was given 800 mg ibuprofen and had to go right back to his platoon when they were done).

[goldenbird]

I just remember the size of my jaw and cheeks after having my wisdom teeth out. It was not a pretty sight. I had it done senior year over Thanksgiving break. I ate mashed potatoes and ice cream and pudding for four days. I remember taking lots of pain meds and sleeping a lot. Definitely use the syringe to irrigate after eating.

[swarley]

May 27, 2018 0:08:39 GMT -6 Yogurt said:

I'm 37 and I need to schedule to have all of my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm scurred.

I'm older than you and I need all 4 out too.  Every summer I say this is the year and I chicken out.  

[Lormor]

I had one out and was awake. It was quite a mess with lots of drilling and bashing, but not sore. Dentist was hot, so that was nice.

Very sore after. I can’t remember recovery so much, but it was sore for a few days. Maybe a weekend? I had no swelling.

I was in my 30s, if that is helpful.

[jlovelysoul]

Thanks for all your stories and advice. It's making me feel better about the whole thing. It kind of comes at a crummy time and I was originally thinking I could wait until after our vacation but after the infection came right back I'm thinking it's better to get it done sooner than later and not have to worry about it flaring up while we are gone.

[jlovelysoul]

May 27, 2018 0:08:39 GMT -6 Yogurt said:

I'm 37 and I need to schedule to have all of my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm scurred.

Aww, don't be scared. Are they giving you problems? 

[Yogurt]

May 27, 2018 13:38:06 GMT -6 jlovelysoul said:

May 27, 2018 0:08:39 GMT -6 Yogurt said:

I'm 37 and I need to schedule to have all of my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm scurred.

Aww, don't be scared. Are they giving you problems? 

Not at all, only the top two are partially exposed, but the dentist said she can see decay on them.