For a long time, my wisdom teeth caused me irritation, pain, and agony. I knew the extraction of my wisdom tooth would be approaching soon. It all happened so abruptly. I laid down in the dentist chair, nervous as my dentist walked towards me with a needle the size of a straw. I blinked and before I knew it my face was the size of a chipmunk but relieved from pain.

Getting your wisdom teeth extracted isn’t a surgery everyone has to experience. Wisdom teeth typically get removed when they are not positioned correctly in the mouth, cause dental issues or pain. Another common reason wisdom teeth get extracted is because of lack of space in the mouth for them to grow in.

The Extraction

Depending on your place of choice for extraction your experience will always be different from others. Since wisdom teeth removal is a major oral surgery be sure to discuss what kinds of anesthesia you are willing to be put under during the surgery. You can either be numbed or asleep during the surgery. Beforehand be sure to plan time off from work/ or school to be able to get a full strong recovery.

During the surgery, the procedure should take 45 minutes or less. Depending on where you get your removal the types of anesthesia are local, IV sedation, and general.

Local: Your oral surgeon will numb your mouth with a shot of novocaine in your gums. You may also breathe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to relax or even doze during surgery. You should feel alert again shortly afterward.

IV Sedation: The surgeon will numb your mouth and also give you drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. You might sleep during the whole procedure.

General: During this procedure, they will either put drugs through a vein or breathing gas in through a mask. You’ll be asleep the whole time and might not wake up for an hour or so after the surgery.

Road to Recovery

Swelling is a common process of the healing journey. It may take a few weeks before the swelling completely goes away. Mild discomfort three or so days is also a common factor in the healing journey. In hopes or need of a quicker recovery here are a few steps to follow.

• Ice packs
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take medication that’s prescribed
• Eat soups, rice, and soft foods
• Rest
• Call your doctor if you have a fever or any pain
• No straws
• Don’t harshly rinse your mouth

After a while, the stitches in your mouth should begin to dissolve. It is recommended to go back to the oral surgery for check-ups to be assured of no infections. After a few weeks, you should be back on your feet and eating delicious food.