i'm afraid of getting my wisdom teeth out! - Dental Health Message Board

skipxox · 12-27-2006, 10:09 PM

In a couple days i will be getting my wisdom teeth out =/ and i'm pretty much terrified!

i'm 16 and the orthodontist recommended me to get them out because i had braces and they dont want my teeth getting messed up. I have been researching everything about getting wisdom teeth out and have now freaked my self out. I'm scared of "dry sockets" and the IV/ being put to sleep, and everything after the surgery!!

any advice to help me stay calm?

-thanks

mystic7 · 12-28-2006, 12:04 AM

See my latest post in my thread titled "Impacted Wisdom Teeth - Post-op Questions"... I just had mine out this morning and it's been shockingly painless and easy, both during and afer the surgery. Most other people I know who've had them out don't report any excessive pain, either... the only thing I've consistently heard complained about is the side-effects of some painkillers that are prescribed, and that can hopefully be avoided by doing what I did and taking them with food (and also cutting them in half if necessary). Good luck, in all likelihood it won't be nearly as bad as you're expecting!

lbb87 · 12-28-2006, 12:14 AM

Don't worry so much. It might sound scary but there's nothing to be scared of. I've had three surgeries and having my wisdom teeth removed was one of the easiest. It was so easy that I'd rather have that done again then to mop the kitchen floor. Actually, the worst part of the whole thing was something my mother did. The morning of the surgery I wasn't allowed to drink anything and my mother made me move all this heavy furniture because relatives were coming and she wanted the house to look nice. It was the middle of the summer so I was super hot and super thirsty and I couldn't drink anything. After the surgery I drank a lot of water and soda but I was so dehydrated that I couldn't urinate for hours despite really, REALLY needing to. It was terrible. So just don't move heavy objects the morning of your surgery and you'll be fine.

But seriously, the whole surgery is a piece of cake. They give you the IV which feels like a quick little poke (no big deal), they give you the anesthesia (through the IV I think or through a breathing tube hooked up to your nose) and then you fall asleep. Then the doctors remove your teeth and you don't feel a thing. Then you wake up later and your jaw area might be sore and that's when you should ask for some pain medication. You'll also want some ice packs for your jaw so make sure they supply those. Then when it's time to leave, convince your parents to take you out for a milkshake for being a very good girl, and because you need to keep up your energy to get better faster.

The dry sockets aren't a big deal. If you have them there will be some pain but your pain medication should help with that. It shouldn't be anymore painful than your normal aches and pains. I personally think a headache is much worse than a dry socket so that should tell you that it isn't so bad. But you should call the dentist/doctor and tell them you're in pain and they'll fix you up good in no time.

Other than that, I suggest that after the surgery you spend the entire day/night/whatever watching your favorite videos. And don't forget that milkshake. Tell your parents my surgeon recommends it to all his patients having their wisdom teeth removed (he really does).

Thelma-Louise · 12-28-2006, 09:04 PM

I agree - its pretty easy - a little pinch in the arm and in a few seconds your out and before you know it you're being led to a couch to relax for a bit. Usually they give you pain meds right then. The only thing I might suggest is asking the dental office about drinking with a straw (they should give you some written post-op instructions to follow) - usually they tell you not to since the sucking action on the straw could induce more bleeding so soon after surgery - so use a spoon for that milkshake - something cold will help. Afterwards go home and take a nap, listen to music or watch tv. Good luck.

Muzkmkr · 12-29-2006, 05:51 AM

Don't worry so much. I used to be a surgical dental assistant and everything that the people on here have said is true. It's not as difficult if you listen to your surgeon and do what he/she says. Don't drink through a straw....it will loosen the blood clot that will form and that is what causes a dry socket. There is treatment for a dry socket, if you get one, so put that thought out of your head. The IV sedation is great. You will go to sleep and when you wake up you will have little, if any memory of the whole thing. Make sure you eat before you take the pain meds. That is VERY important. If you have bleeding that lasts longer than you think is normal, take a regular tea bag, wet it and gently bite down on it. The tannic acide will help the clotting. Just relax and you will find the healing will take care of itself. Good luck and let me know how you do!