Need Disers support: wisdom teeth coming out next week!

[julsmom]

I have to get all my wisdom teeth removed. I am 30 (gulp), and have been putting it off for too long. I am going to be put under anesthesia (thank goodness) BUT I am terrified!!!

NEED SUPPORT!!! (DH kind of isn't cutting it in that dept.!)

The next 7 days are going to be really really hard. Help!

 

[magicmato]

I had mine taken out when I was in my late 20's. I did the same thing, waiting until I had to get them out, because I was so worried. I hate needles, so the whole thing just scared me.

That said, it was fine. Once they got me out, I woke up and it was done. I was in pain for a day, but they gave me meds... and I must say that the meds were almost worse than the pain! They made me so dizzy and sick so I only took them for the rest of the first day. After that, I was ok and after a week I was perfect again.

The only thing I did NOT like was that when I came out from the general was that I somehow was convinced that I was asleep and it was a dream and I had not had the surgery yet! LOL. It took me a while to get over that, but once the meds finally wore off, I realized I was wrong, but I was SURE convinced! I kept telling the Dr. and nurse and hubby that I was not really there, that I was asleep, lmbo. I told them to "send me back", lol.

That Dr was, I am sure, convinced I was insane!

Hehehe.

 

[vhoffman]

Relax! Been there, done that. Really, it sounds a lot scarier than it is. I had all 4 wisdom, teeth pulled at once when I was 42. They used some sort of anesthesia that put me in a sort of "twilight sleep". I remember hearing them talk and a feeling of sensation, pressure, but no real pain. I was quite relaxed during the procedure.

For about 2 days afterwards I experiences some pain, but nothing horrible. A few tips--try to fill a prescripiton for pain medicine before the procedure. some dentists will do so, some won't. I found it beats running around with a sore mouth afterwards trying to fill a prescription. If they won't allow you to fill it beforehand, at least do take whatever prescription they offer you to fill later. You will be numb when you leave the office and not start to feel pain for several hours. Many people mistakenly believe if they aren't feeling pain when they leave the office they won't later. Then they wake up in the middle of the night with a big Ouch!!

Also, get some Motrin or Alleve. I found the combination of antinflamatory plus pain med worked best. You won't need pain medicine for more than 1-2 days at most, but do have it on hand. Stock up on soft foods to eat the next few days. Actually, I found it awkward (but not painful) to chew anything, including pasta, spaghetti, etc., due to the inflammation, stitches, etc. I found I could only eat soup for a day or so. Get some of your favorite cream-type soups, ice cream, jello, pudding, etc. Another tip--get some frozen corn or peas in a bag--about 10 oz size. Have at least 2 or 3. They work great as an ice pack because they mold to your face. And do plan to take at least the day of the procedure and the next off work. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I had so many people tell me that so-and-so had such oral surgery done on his lunch hour and came back that day or bright and early the next. I'd like to meet such wonder people! I think that's BS! Its NOT a terrible, horrible, painful procedure. It is something that you will need some time to recuperate from, at least 2 days. Good luck--the worst part is now, dreading it. You'll be fine!

 

[magicmato]

I agree! Plan to take the day of the surgery and the following day off. Also, realize that they will have you not eat for a period before the procedure, if you are having general anesthesia.

The following day your pain level may be ok, but you will be drained from the stress before and during the surgery and you will want to rest.

 

[misshilda1]

Here is some extra pixie dust Hey don't worry I too am 30 (well until next month however I went thru the same thing at 24. The only problem was that I smoked at the time (I have since been quit for over 3 years) and I got dry socket which they warned me about. It hurt pretty bad but I brought it on myself so I guess it was my own fault. I didn't feel anything and considering the time I had with my wisdom teeth it was a God send. I leave Sunday for WDW but I wish you well. You will be inour thoughts and prayers.......

 

[julsmom]

Here is some extra pixie dust Hey don't worry I too am 30 (well until next month however I went thru the same thing at 24. The only problem was that I smoked at the time (I have since been quit for over 3 years) and I got dry socket which they warned me about. It hurt pretty bad but I brought it on myself so I guess it was my own fault. I didn't feel anything and considering the time I had with my wisdom teeth it was a God send. I leave Sunday for WDW but I wish you well. You will be inour thoughts and prayers.......

Thank you soo much! I was kind of hoping I would hear from you because we post on the same threads! I feel like we're buds.

Have a great time at Disney! Maybe I will dream I'm there while I am out!

 

[Syrreal]

Dh just had all 4 out 2 weeks ago. The process itself wasn't bad (and he is a baby when it comes to those things). He was put to sleep and woke up when it was done. They gave him meds (we were able to get them from the dentist and didn't have to go to the pharmacy). The 1st day he could only have soft mushy foods and nothing very hot.

He did get dry sockets on both of his bottom spaces so we've been dealing with that. Lukily we caught it before the pain was bad and that's over now.

The biggest issue is psychosomatic. The stitches dissolve long before the holes are closed and that just grosses out DH. He is just now starting to eat a little more normal food. But he knows that it's in his head and not an issue with his mouth.

 

[ampc3]

I guess the big question is whether or not they are impacted?? I am guessing yes since you said they where putting you out so to speak!
I had all 4 of mine taken out at 23(mid 30's now ,ouch that hurt to write that! )
Anyway all of mine where impacted, they put me totally out, woke up fine, but feeling very "out of it" that bad side was getting sick after from medicine, that was short lived but felt horrible afterwards for about 2 days..
Then fine, however they give you this syringe type thing to "clean" out the sockets which sortof hurt, but mine must have gotten infected and they had to open up the sitches and do something, and THAT HURT! since I was awake that hurt the most, so hopefully that won't happen to you, and you should be a ok! But definitly plan on a few days recoup time! MIlke it for what it is worth! good luck!

 

[julsmom]

I am soooo scared! I know it will be fine and a few days later I will be soooo happy that it is done and I never have to think of it again. I guess I am just scared of the 'How'. And the mouth full of intense screaming pain afterwards and for days.


How do I avoid 'dry sockets'?

 

[Syrreal]

You should make sure you have one or 2 of those ice bags (the little bue ones). Putting them on your face the 1st few days feels really nice (and reduced swelling) and then you can put hot water in them after a few days.

I only had the 2 top teeth and got them taken out at diff times and the icebag helped both times (a lot)

 

[mama4]

I haven't had mine removed but wanted to send some support your way anyway. I'm sure everything will go well and you'll feel better before ya know it Your post actually reminded me that I should get mine checked out though. I'm 34 and have never had a dentist mention removing them. They didn't even start to appear until I was 25.

Oh, and about dry sockets, I've always heard don't smoke and don't sip through a straw. Here's a link to some info I found
http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/wisdomtooth/wteeth.htm

 

[emh1129]

I had one of mine removed a few months ago (I'm 24). It wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was awake (with some laughing gas) and it was sore for a few days.
I was looking forward to milkshakes, but you're not supposed to use a straw for at least a week, so that made things tricky.
Stay on top of your pain pills because I made that mistake a few times.. I thought I didn't need them because the pain wasn't 'that bad' and of course it got worse..

I hope that I never have to get the other 3 removed, but at least I know what to expect now if I ever need to.
Good luck

 

[misshilda1]

I know I feel the same it's kinda like we have the same thoughts!!!!I feel you will be fine.....Thanks for wishing us a good time...

 

[jennifer293]

I had mine out almost 2 years ago,and I was TERRIFIED. I mean I have had 2 Csections, and I wasn't in the least as scared about those as I was about the wisdom teeth. It was not so bad and the drugs afterward are pretty nice. I had hydrocodone!! They sent my lil sis home with a bottle of tylenol when she had hers done...we obviously did not use the same oral surgeon..HAHAHA

Just be sure not to get dry sockets, and keep your head elevated the first 24 hours or it is gonna hurt. Eat as much as you can. In 4 days I lost 9 lbs, I think it was. (Made me happy, but my dr. was upset).

 

[Sehsun]

I had all 4 of mine removed last December, under general anesthesia (I was 20 at the time). They were all impacted. The surgery went very smoothly. I didn't even have to apply ice to my cheeks (although they did get swollen and bruised). I took some OTC painkillers and then took the Hydrocodone prescription that they gave me. I would recommend just trying the OTC painkillers first because the Hydrocodone is strong. I even took the Hydrocodone with food and still got a bit queasy. I think maybe half a tablet would've been a better idea.

I went to see "The Chronicles of Narnia" the next day.
Complete recovery took about 3-4 weeks, but no complications at all.

I hope everything goes smoothly. It will be okay!

 

[mom2cookies]

Had mine taken out with just the novicaine... wasn't even asleep. I am more scared of the dentist then heights! NO meds afterwards either. Just lots and lots of sleep. lol YOu will be find. Just remember... all things come to and end eventually ( meaning any anticipated fear or pain ). Have a girlfriend agree to go out with you after you recoup and spend the time between now and your appointment making plans. Go all out in your plans just to keep your mind busy. LOL Works for me!

I'll be thinking of you.

 

[whogirl'smom]

Here is a story on a positive note--I got my wisdom teeth out when I was 17 (almost 18) and didn't have any swelling, bruising or pain. Only one tooth was impacted and required 2 stitches, the others they just pulled. I'm not sure of the type of anesthesia I received; it was by IV and I was totally asleep, but when I woke up, I was only a little befuddled (ran smack into the door on the way to the check out desk!) I only took regular Tylenol that day, and was fine to go to the beach less than a week later!

Good luck!

 

[seashoreCM]

I had all of my wisdom teeth out, but two (one side) at a time. Local anesthesia only. I was lucky, did not have significant pain and although I bought the pain pills (after the first session only) I never used them. I was talking to a friend about the wisdom teeth and he said something like, "if you don't need the pain pills give them to me" as if for casual pill popping use.

General anesthesia somehow reminds me of an old (two player) space war video game. If you were sure to be hit you could press a button and go into warp space and re-appear somehere else, hopefully away from bullets, on the screen. Trouble was, there was a small chance you would not come back at all which meant you lost that game. To me, any session under general anesthesia has the chance of not coming back.

Did go under general a' for some other purpose, one moment the a'ologist was putting the nitrous oxide mask on me and the next moment I was awake feeling just a little pain and then a nurse came over and said it was all done and I was in the recovery room.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[rhiannonwales]

I have been there done that. Actually, i had one of my wisdom teeth come in completely, and after many years, it broke and exposed a nerve in my mouth!
So i had to have it removed - but in pieces, and getting the part out that broke below the gumline terrified me.But when it happend, it wasnt as bad as i t hought. It does stay sore for a few days, but it will be ok. But you can't smoke or drink anything through a straw, like other posters said.
Also it helps the healing process if you rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day. It won't burn like some antiseptic mouthwashes will, and it keeps it clean, and helps it to heal. But you have to be careful not to create suction in your mouth when you do it.
I felt that the painkillers were the hardest thing to cope with. They do take the pain away, but they made me groggy and disoriented.
But all in all it wasnt nearly as bad as i thought it would be, and i hate the dentist with a passion.
So hang in there!
Sherrie

 

[mlwear]

My sis had 2 impacted wisdom teeth removed this past summer. She felt pretty well the following day. In fact, I saw her at the mall! But, it was only a day or two after that when she felt worse. Not trying to scare you more...keep reading...she went back to the dr. and she had an infection. I was surprised that they hadn't given her any sort of antibiotic to take for 2 or 3 days after the surgery. I thought that was pretty standard to prevent infection. My advice is ask about the antibiotic. If she would have had that she would have done very well. Another friend had all of hers removed about a month or so ago. She claims that it was a piece of cake. She didn't hardly swell, no pain. So, there is hope Mine were removed when I was in my late teens. They weren't impacted. I did OK: some swelling, a little pain--that is all I remember, so it must not have been too bad.
I will definitely send good thoughts and prayers your way.

Actually, I completely understand your fears, though. I am hanging out on the board this morning to take my mind off of my procedure this afternoon! I'm scared, too. I am having a gum graft. I had one a year ago and it was terrible. They told me it was no big deal, so when it was I think that made it all the worse, you know what I mean--not expecting the worst. The gory details are the dentist removes tissue from the roof of my mouth and stitches it my my gums. It doesn't require anesthia, though. Last time I went through two weeks of a terrible time. So, I am really scared about today. Here is a recommendation: I am taking Xanax before I go in! This was OK'd and prescribed by the dentist. I don't know if you could take it with anasthesia though. Maybe the night before? You would DEFINITELY need to consult your doctor and anestheologist (sp) before.

Glad I'm not alone, anyway. Best of luck next week.