Hi, I had all four of my wisdoms out little over a week ago (3/10).
First of all, I highly suggest getting IV sedation versus nitrous oxide, etc. This being because quite simply, you will not remember anything really.
I know it is costly, my whole procedure was $2100, $1350 of which came out of MY pocket. For anyone else reading this...also they say the earlier you "nip this in the butt", the better off. I am 20 years old and even I wish I had done this 2-3 years ago. Anyways.
I suppose I am quite lucky because honestly, and this is no white lie, I have experienced
very little pain. The doc. prescribed IBprofin (do not take asprin containing medications this will interfere with the clot). Instructed me to take it about an hour after I left the office, because once your anesthesia wears off you will know it. However, for the most part I took one pain med. a day, whereas the instructions say every 4-6 hours.
I felt like crap during that weekend, but most of it was HUNGER and dizziness etc. It really takes a while for the sedation stuff to get outta your system. I went back to work Tuesday.
Based on my experience, and you will not necessarily experience the same things, but in case you do, FYI.
I was/still am very hungry. Seriously you don't even wanna think about a chicken wing or anything hard like that. I literally ate yogurt/jello/pudding for about a week. SICK of that! You may lose some weight, I did. Do not smoke, suck through a straw, spit, etc. This draws blood forward, you want the clot to form and stay put. Also, don't brush your teeth that day or for 24-48 hours. I know it sounds gross, but I waited 48 hours and am glad that I did. You don't want any accidental bumps. Salt-water rinse after about 24 hrs, it'll make you feel "cleaner". (sorry for this novel).
My stitches were "disolvable" ones, but this past Friday I went for my post-op and I still had a couple I could feel, very easy for the Doc to pluck those for ya, don't worry about that.
I just started eating solids this weekend, but it is still kind of difficult, and take it very slow and very small bites. My doc said about 3-4 weeks for the gums to fully heal, however the BONE underneath anywhere from 6-14 weeks. So to be FULLY healed will really take a few months. Do what you are comfortable with, if you are a fast eater like myself, this will be a rude awakening.
Lastly, another thing to keep in mind is after your stiches are removed/dissolved, you will want to stretch your jaw because you haven't opened it that wide thus far. Take that slow, it will hurt a little almost like you've been chewing gum for 24 hrs. My jaw is still sore, just work it out a little each day and it will get back to normal.
I hope this helps you, and anyone else. Appologize for the lengthiness but it really is a major deal for all of us. Best of luck to you.
Linear Mode
