Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience, especially if you’ve never had dental issues or braces. No offense to dentists, but they were always my least favorite doctors. First of all, why do they make us talk when they are working in our mouths? Second, I just think they are way too up close to us, invading our personal space (lol, I'm sorry, I know it's their job).
In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience of wisdom teeth extraction, from the initial consultation to the recovery process. Whether you’re about to undergo the procedure or just curious about it, I hope this guide provides helpful insights and eases any concerns you might have.
Initial Consultation for Wisdom Teeth Removal
It had been over a year since my regular dentist was encouraging me to get my wisdom teeth out, but I was too much of a chicken. The idea of surgery was horrifying to me. It was my very first surgical experience, and I was convinced that if I went under anesthesia, I would never wake up 💀. Additionally, last year my sister got her wisdom teeth taken out, and wow, that was an experience to remember (she ended up in the ER). But my doctor convinced me that the longer I waited, the more difficult the recovery process would be, and it could potentially impact my other teeth. So I finally agreed to the surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before the surgery, I had a consultation with my oral surgeon. During this visit:
X-rays were taken to assess the position of my wisdom teeth.
The procedure was explained in detail, including potential risks and benefits.
Pre-surgery instructions were given, such as fasting requirements and medication guidelines.
The Day Before the Surgery
As I mentioned, I was terrified of going under anesthesia and was convinced that I was going to be part of the one percent who die as a result of an anesthetist's mistake lol. I said my last words and goodbyes to my friends in case something happened (I know, dramatic af, it's the Leo in me). The Day of Surgery
I was fasting for the past eight hours and took a prescribed relaxer one hour before the surgery. I arrived at the clinic and completed the necessary paperwork. I was taken to the procedure room where the anesthesia was administered. I chose general anesthesia because I didn’t want to witness my fall😂.
I remember they put an oxygen tube in my nose, a couple of sensors to monitor my vitals, and I think an IV. That's all I remember lol.
The procedure hardly took fifteen minutes. My bottom wisdom teeth required incisions, and the top ones were just pulled out.
Post-Surgery Recovery
They wheelchair-ed me out to my sister’s car. I was pretty awake, didn’t really feel pain but tired. My face wasn’t too swollen, so that was good. I had to keep changing my gauze until my bleeding stopped (which is normal).
I came home and ate some soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes. My doctor advised me to take painkillers before my anesthesia completely wore off, so I took one 800mg pill.
This continued for the next three days, and on the fourth day, I went back to my place. I continued to make sure that I didn’t eat something super hard or crunchy, used a mouthwash that my doctor gave me, and a syringe to make sure food wasn’t stuck in the empty spots.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Avoid straws to prevent dry socket.
Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities.
Follow up with your oral surgeon if you experience severe pain or signs of infection.
Reflection on the Experience
I’m going to be honest, I was prepared for the worst, and thankfully that didn’t happen. Eating, sleeping, and speaking were difficult for the first couple of days, but that’s normal. Occasionally, I used to be in a lot of irritation every time my wisdom tooth was trying to come out, so no more of that.
You may be wondering how much the extraction procedure cost me. Luckily, I have good insurance this year. I was initially quoted $500, but on the day of surgery, I found out that I was only responsible for $100. What a steal! Normally, this procedure can cost up to $3000.
If your dentist is advising you to take out your wisdom teeth, I’d say do it as early (the younger, the better) as possible. Apparently, the recovery process is much worse if you do it in your 30s. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to me :) Until next time, Peace 🦷
Comments