Getting wisdom teeth removed

[Scooter's Mom]

I only had one taken out (so far). It was impacted (as are my other 3) and hurt like the dickens when it was removed. Mine are unable to be pulled, they have to be surgically removed. My oral surgeon told me "This is more difficult the older you get" and I'm 35 as of next week. So, part of my problem recovering was also the age factor (according to him).

Be careful not to get anything into the pocket where your tooth was at. No drinking with straws, either. If you need your medication - take it!

That's all my advice.

[Karen]

To clarify, all mine were surgically removed as well. But I was 18, I think, so the "age factor" was in my favor. The doc who was my oral surgeon had been the one who removed my sister's wisdom teeth, and had done work on my Dad, too, so he was used to our messed-up mouths. My sister actually had one tooth whose root was involved in the jaw bone, so hers were a bigger problem than mine, which were simply sideways. My orthodontist said "Get them out now, or redo 2 years and three months of braces." "Yank 'em," said I!

[AdoreMyDogs]

I'm sorry to hear about your wisdom teeth. They're such a pain in the butt! Mine were removed when I was about 24 or 25 years old. All 4 of mine were impacted, they grew sideways instead of down. With mine I had IV sedation, as they had to cut them out. All of mine were done at one time, and honestly, I am a HUGE wimp and the worst part of it was the IV, which the surgeon tried 5 times to insert before he finally got it in my vain...so I was poked quite a few times. That was the worst part for me! It really wasn't so bad. Make sure you follow the instructions they give you and you'll be fine.

I was actually allergic to the pain meds they gave me, so I ended up just taking extra strength tylenol after the first day and I don't remember much pain at all. There's swelling, but as long as you ice it, it should be fine. Just make sure you ice it and it'll prevent you from getting puffy.

Good luck and you'll be fine. It really isn't as bad as people let up, at least it wasn't for me, and I'm a HUGE wimp.

[Taz_Zoee]

I had all four of mine out when I was 17. None of them had broke through the skin. I have a bad reaction to being put under so I was sick the first day.
But I know many people who had no problems at all. In fact, one person went out and had a steak dinner the next night. (not that I suggest something like that, just making a point)
So it is something you'll just have to play by ear. I hope you are well enough to visit your friend.

[Catty1]

Something else that is really soothing, and a good antiseptic, is good old warm salt water!

Check with your dentist on this...he may want a day or so of healing before you do this.

I had mine out when I was 16 - one every 2 weeks. One was slightly impacted. I felt a slight ache, and needed a nap when I got home (two block walk to my dentist!).

hugs!

[Freedom]

I had all 4 of mine out when I was 18 or so. The way our insurance coverage worked a the time, I had to stay overnight in hospital for coverage. My doc agreed to let me stay the night AFTER the surgery. So my folks didn't have to deal with me; I tend to be a bad patient, I am a big baby to this day.

Icing helps plenty.

Think of it as an extra opportunity to eat all the ice cream you want!

You can put the cold stuff on the inside as well as the outside, ya know?