Wisdom Teeth Removal And Pain
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As a child, I often heard stories about wisdom teeth; most of them revolved around how badly they hurt. It seemed like everyone had the same story to tell; either their wisdom teeth came in and had to be removed due to problems, or they were impacted and had to be removed due to other problems. In both cases pain seemed to be a very popular descriptive. Therefore, by the time I'd gotten my braces, I was fully terrified of eventually getting my wisdom teeth. Of course, much of that fear stemmed from the oral agony I'd already gone through. You see, thanks to having rather a small mouth and quite wonky teeth, I'd had several teeth pulled prior to getting a highly torturous rapid palatal expander -- all to make room for the shifting that would occur once I'd gotten my braces -- which was supposed to be done in a way that would make room for my wisdom teeth. The good news? All of those contraptions worked, and my wisdom teeth came in without problem. In fact, I never even felt them come in. Seriously! I didn't even know they were in, until a dental visit when I was 23.
Perfect Wisdom Teeth Can Still Get Cavities
My wisdom teeth had come in exactly as they were supposed to. There was no pain, no issues, no problems whatsoever. Until I went in for a checkup and found out that 30% of my top right wisdom tooth was gone due to a cavity. I'd never even felt it! They filled the cavity and sent me home. A month or so later it started to hurt and I went back. They told me it was getting worse. I decided to get a second opinion elsewhere and the dentist told me the same exact thing.
Filling vs Extraction
Each filling was costing me about $200 and the second dentist mentioned that extraction would only be $60. Normally I wouldn't have considered the extraction at all, but the reason I kept getting cavities in that tooth was because it was so close to the back of my mouth that I couldn't get at it to clean it properly. I started to worry that this would happen to my other wisdom teeth as well, leading to lots of pain and lots of money. The X-Ray showed that they were perfectly straight with no problems, so I decided to just go on and have them all extracted.
Anesthesia: Local vs General
Most people talk about being put under when they have their wisdom teeth removed. I'm not a fan of full-on anesthesia for many reasons, so I insisted on using only Novocaine. I also decided to have them all out at once.
How Badly Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Hurt?
I'm not going to lie. It hurt pretty badly -- but, to be honest, I think the regular teeth I had pulled as a child hurt far, far more than having my wisdom teeth removed. I had loads of Novocaine, but Novocaine doesn't have a super strong effect on me and I could always feel a bit of something as he worked. But if you are having this done and you start to feel pain, don't be afraid to ask for more Novocaine -- they don't want you in agony, but neither can they read your mind. If it hurts, get more of whatever you're getting.
Male vs Female Dentist
Tooth pulling under normal circumstances (ie, without the need for surgery/cutting, etc) is 100% brute strength. Therefore, I'd not advise you have a woman do this, unless she's been born and bred on the farm, if you know what I mean. Sorry to sound sexist, but it's a scientific fact that men have different upper body strength than women, and when it comes to something like this, you want to be sure your dentist has the physical power to get it over with as quickly as possible.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Take?
It's been almost 10 years now, so I can't recall exactly. I know it took at least an hour, though, and some of that may have been due to me constantly begging for breaks. I'd guess it took 1.5 hours in all, but again, I can't recall. It wasn't fast, but it certainly wasn't an all day thing, either.
Other Things to Consider
Wear something that can be replaced, because there will be a lot of blood. I could not believe how much blood was all over my little big thing when it was done. I went though several of them. I didn't get blood on anything, but I can recall thinking how ruined something would be if it had! Also be aware that your mouth is going to hurt just from being pried open for so long. And your jaw, that's gonna ache too.
When It's Done
Painkillers -- They gave me Vicodin, but I didn't use it; I used Advil (ibuprofen) for the next two days and I have to say that the pain was very minimal. I get worse pain during my period, if you really care to know. So if you have apprehensions about controlled substances, you can probably get by with regular NSAIDs. I believe I was taking 600mg every 6 hours -- which is the maximum "safe" daily dosage.
Eating -- Those teeth were way in the back, so eating wasn't a big problem for me. be careful and you should be fine.
No Sucking -- This means no straws, no smoking, no thumbsucking and no whatever else you can think of. Sucking can pull the blood clot loose, and that's not something you want to happen.
Salt Water and Ice -- If you have pain or swelling you can rinse your mouth with salt water or use an ice pack on your cheek.
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Comments
I've only had one wisdom tooth taken out and it was virtually painless. My last root canal was considerably more painful! I'll soon have a hub regarding my various dental problems, er, nightmares. Another very informative hub. Isabella, you are the Queen of Hubdom!!!
Maybe you could make a hub on the fear of needles.
I faint whenever I see one.
Many years ago my wisdom teeth began to partially emerge, and then a few years later became infected. My jaw was in a agony and I could barely open my mouth at all. It was on the same day I was moving house, and I ended up spending most of the day driving around trying to find a National Health Dentist that would had a space for me to register with them so I could get treatment, (I wasn't currently registered anywhere as I had never had any real problems with my teeth). There were so few dentists in the UK that were still taking on National Health Patients, (which meant my bill would be partially government subsidised), and most of the dentists were now only taking on private patients. I was in so much pain I even went to a hospital to try and get help, but instead they gave me the name of a dentist who was still taking on National Health clients. This was a Godsend, as I could never have afforded to pay the full price of private treatment.
Anyway, the dentist told me I had an infection, and that at some point I would need my Wisdom teeth removing. In the meantime she gave me antibiotics to clear up the infection. For a few days I was still in pain and virtually had to eat through a straw, but then the infection went away. I quickly forgot about her advice and happily went on for several more years with no further problems. Then I got another infection, which I also had treated with antibiotics, same result. A further ten years or so later I had one more minor infection that I treated the same way after a visit to my Doctors, and I have never had a problem since, and I still have all my Wisdom teeth. I also now use an electric toothbrush, which I think cleans better than a normal toothbrush and may have helped to solve the problem.
Having briefly been a dental nurse, and seen the horror of wisdom tooth removal, and also had friends who ended up with a swollen up face (like a hamster with full cheek pouches), for days after the removal, I was, and still am, loathe to put myself through this unless there is no other way around the problem.
PS. Did you know wisdom teeth can come through at literally any age? One story I heard whilst working at the dentists was how a very elderly lady went into the dentist and said her dentures no longer fitted her properly and she wasn't sure why. When the dentist checked in her mouth he discovered the reason, her wisdom teeth were emerging even though she was now in her 80's !
Isabella! Unfortunately I'm not smart because my wisdom is still under my gum lines. I wonder how much wisdom I'm lacking... would I have been smart enough not to marry my X... but then I wouldn't have my fabulous kids. That's an aweful lot of pressure to put on teeth wisdomed or not (pun intended) hehe
Another super duper hub, hope you're well, regards Zsuzsy
Thanks for sharing this info:)
Good Information. Having my wisdom teeth taken out was one of the worst experiences of my life. I didn't get a dry socket, thankfully, but my jaw was sore for at least a week.
The only advice I can give is that it is vital to keep an ice pack on your cheeks for as long as you possibly can. My brother and I had our wisdom teeth taken out two months apart. He was told to use ice packs to help alleviate the swelling. He didn't and looked like a puffy chipmunk for 2 weeks. I used ice and looked like myself within a week.
luckily my teeth give no gripes, but i'm dreading it when they eventually do!
informative hub.
Hi Bard of Ely -- If you'd like to repost your comments without the links I will happy to approve it. :)
i just had my wisdom teeth removed and the procedure was not painful at all..after the operation however was way more painful...i'm just icing my cheeks away nowzzzzz
My father is a dentist, and has been one for over 30 years. He has always told his patients to avoid at all costs, the removal of any teeth. He states that the loss of teeth is a natural sign to our bodies that the aging process is taking a toll on our bodies. He feels the loss of a tooth, for any reason speeds up aging throughout the body. Often a tooth is no longer useable on the upper exposed part but still perfectly healthy and strong from just above the gums and down into the roots. Teeth like that can be used as foundations for partials, bridges and other dental prothesis. Take it or leave it - he has been watching this phenomenon for over 30 years and was taught this in dental school by a Dentish with over 50 years of experience.
My wisdom teeth hasn't come out yet and I'm in my 30s! Is that normal at all?
I got mine out four days ago and I'm still in alot of pain.
Getting them removed is no fun at all!
Got em out today, sucks!
Just had my 3 wisdom teeth surgically removed at 11am. Now that the numbing has worn off I can feel what my husband had to experience.
I'm not afraid of needles what so ever, but I am not a fan of pain and because I have panic attacks in enclosed rooms with people hovering I asked to be put under, to lessen the stress, pain, and time. I had a male dentist, it only took him 45 minutes to complete the surgery. The Anesthetic he used literally took a minute before I was asleep and then woken up, my mouth was stuffed and numb and i felt in zombie state.Once I got home, we left again to get my medications, which i was glad we did, because when we got home again I crawled into bed, when I had woken up this afternoon the numbness in my face was gone and I was greeted with pain.
I have not had anything to eat since yesterday at 11pm so I gave my body time to be plenty empty for the surgery, which pleased them. But taking the medications and waking up to use the bathroom was brutal, i removed the blood soaked gauze to replace new gauze because it actually feels good to have it in rather then out. The pain medication makes my head spin more then what it is suppose to do.
After I got sick from going to the bathroom, sick as in head dizzy, wanting to faint, sweating really bad all of a sudden and increasing pain in my head my husband recommend I eat. I thought he was insane, I cant stand to even drink water with my pills without wanting to hurl them back up, how am I gonna stand to eat?
ICE CREAM is going to be your best friend. The dentist gave me some. A few scoops, replace the gauze, ice pack on cheek and snooze.
Oatmeal, was delicious but hurt my mouth more as I attempted to have the sticky mush work it's way down my throat.
Jello, Who doesn't love jello? And you can get it in any flavor.
Along with pudding, another fantastic food.
My kids are currently having sloppy joes, corn on the cob with shells and cheese, so I'm jealous but also in enough discomfort I could careless, I just wanted something in my belly. I've drank a lot of water too, with ice, another best friend the only prob is when I swallow large amounts of blood it tends to upset my stomach.My mouth also only seems to bleed more after I attempt to eat.
I'm afraid of trying soup because it will be warm and cold is working for me now. Tomorrow I will be having chicken soup ( hold the chucks it will be puree ) and I am sure by then I can tolerate a little warm in my mouth.
My 4th wisdom tooth was in enough it was pulled 2 years prior. That was a breeze, they numbed my mouth, I was awake, he yanked that tooth out and sent me on my way, I had enough medication I just dropped pills down my throat and slept. It took 2 weeks before all the discomfort was gone.
This experience already sucks more. So wisdom tooth pain is very annoying, uncomfortable and if you try to stay away can be more agonizing. Suggestion, do what I'm about to do. Sleep.
how are you people writing this if your in pain?
Okay...so I just had wisdom tooth removal AND a chin implant at the time, and let me tell you...the chin definitely feels worse. When am I supposed to feel the most pain? I'm not even taking painkillers because I've thrown up twice on them (have a really sensitive stomach). I'm going to call tomorrow and see if they can allow for me to take Tylenol instead of Oxycodone and Ibuprofen. Did anyone else have a good wisdom tooth experience? I am not trying to rub it in at all, but I'm pretty much pain-free and have no swelling. Things are worse on the 2nd day though, right? Let's hope not!! Best of luck with everyone who is suffering. I really hope I'm not in your shoes, because your story is scaring me.
To Matt: We are writing b/c we are obviously searching for an answer to our agony.
Day #4, still swollen like a chipmunk & experiencing throbbing pain. Praying that it is not a dry socket. Definitely comparable to my worst period cramps.
I'm taking my twin daughters in tomorrow to have their wisdom teeth removed. They will be sedated. I've got the freezer full of little dixie cups filled with water. You take them out of freezer when frozen. Tear away a strip of paper at top of cup and use the cup to rub on sore, swollen areas. They work GREAT! We use them for all kinds of things-swollen sprained ankles, headaches, busted up elbows etc. I'm also taking a small cooler with me to dentist office and I'm going to put a couple of frozen dixie cups in it for the girls to start icing their cheeks right away. If you can keep the swelling down you will feel much better!!!
I've got frig stocked with pudding, jellos, homemade chicken broth for a couple days from now-(broth will help keep their strength up). Too many carbs and sugars won't help them heal as fast as protein. I've got an immersible blender so I'm going to make potatoe soup and puree it up for them. Don't try to eat these foods hot tho. Warm or room temperature will be best temperature.
BTW-you will kno if you have dry socket or not if when you open your mouth and inhale and the air hits your mouth it hurts worse-that's dry socket because your clot is gone and the air is hitting an open area that may contain nerve endings or exposed bone. It hurts-if you suspect you have it get to the dentist. He will pack your socket with gauze soaked in oil of clove. Will feel much better!!! I'm also going to be making the girls some nice cold smoothies made with protein powder, soy milk and bananas all mushed up in my smoothie maker. I think it's important to get the right foods in you that promote healing and health and energy. We often eat too many foods with sugar or carbs in them because that's whats in the foods that are cold and soft. So try to get protein in you. Will keep you feeling strong and not so sugared out. Really scrambled eggs, Lemon sherbert, sugar free jello, cottage cheese,
sugar free puddings, chicken and stars soup, and mac n cheese cooked real well are all good foods too. Avoid yogurt. The same enzymes used to tenderize meat are contained in yogurt so it doesn't feel good on our raw meat) i.e. gums. Hope some of this has been helpful.
I had one wisdom tooth removed last Thursday afternoon, it is monday morning and i have been taking 3 advil and 1 vicodin every 3 hrs, sometimes the pain is so sever after 2 hrs, but i wait till its been 3 hrs. I called this morning to see if i should see the Dr. and was told that today was my peak day and should start feeling better tomorrow, i hope so, this has been a nightmare. Ive had dry socket before and this is pretty close to that, i am hoping its not dry socket. I will go back to dentist tomorrow if it isnt any better, my jaw is swollen and i have swollen glands and a huge lump inside my cheek, when do the stitches fall out?
I got my 4 wisdom teeth surgically removed Thursday. I'm on day 4. It sucks, day 2 was the worst day, that was the day I got swollen, and felt the most pain. Well, after the numbing went away on Thursday it was the worst pain but I took a lot of med and passed out. Friday I was really swollen, lots of throbbing pain only on my bottom right side. SUCKS! my 2 bottom wisdom teeth were impacted. So, I'm really hoping that's why I'm still in pain. Today is Sunday, and there is still pain in that same bottom right corner, but, i have pain throughtout my jaw. my doctor told me on friday (day 2) i should be able to start eating things like sloppy joes and what not! and i could stop taking my medication. HAHAHAHA! NO! I can hardly bite down on anything, nothing. still needed the med for all the pain too. he was crazy. haha. I tried french toast today, 2 days after the day he told me i could eat solid food. It wasn't too bad, but my cheeks are so swollen still it's like when i bite down on the right side i end up biting freaking my swollen achy cheek, so i'm going to get chicken noodle soup. try that out. i want to get better!
I know mine hurt like hell. I was crying when I got home though the surgery itself was painless.
waynet says:
14 months ago
Wisdom teeth are the worst to remove because the roots of them have little hooks, no wonder there was lots of blood pulling them out!!
I remember in the days of the vietnam war I pulled all my teeth out with a pair of chopsticks and made a small gun that was to be the....oh sorry these damn flashbacks!