Just what is it like having wisdom teeth removed?

Question

I think i need to have one or 2 taken out and.. i'm scared!!

Answer 1

Just tell your oral surgeon that you would like to be put under general anestheia, this way you won't know a thing. I had all 4 removed at the same time when I was 22 and I only wish I'd had it done sooner when my dentist first recommended it. My advice for the pain is to take one of your pain pills as soon as you leave the surgeon's office so that it has kicked in by the time the anestheia wears off in your mouth. I was only out of work 2 days.

Answer 2

I had two taken out then a few years later the other two. The first time totally sucked, because one of the teeth was impacted....they needed to cut the skin over it to expose it for pulling. Then they just smashed it with pliers so it would come out in pieces.

My second experience was much better. The dentist literally pulled my teeth. I mean, he got up on my chest, stuck this claw-looking thing in my mouth and pryed out my teeth like he was prying a nail out of a piece of wood. He pulled both teeth in under 30 seconds and the whole visit was about 10 minutes.

Don't be scared. Just get yer butt in there and do it. Be more worried about the soreness afterward and follow all post-op instructions including the prevention of dry-sockets, etc.

Answer 3

My husband had his wisdom teeth removed when he was in his early twenties through necessity, he suffered a little and lost some weight from the discomfort of eating for a couple of weeks but he does not regret it, I'm afraid if a dentist thinks you should have it done there is no alternative. His experience was 15 years ago things may be better now.

Answer 4

I had my top 2 out plus the bottom right, as the bottom left never appeared, with the injections. Top ones are like having a normal tooth removed, no problem. Bottom ones are trickier though. Didn't hurt at the time but I won't lie, it did hurt when it wore off. Some lovely bruising, and stitches too. Just make sure you have soluable pain killers ready, they do help. I would do it again, it was better than the pain I was in as they were coming through!!

Answer 5

I had my bottom ones taken out at the dentist and the top ones taken out in hospital under a general anaesthetic - I would definitely recommend the latter.

I woke with stitches and no memory of what happened, mouth was a bit swollen, and I had to be careful what I ate for a couple of days but otherwise all fine and easy. And of course I didn't have the memories of someone trying to rip teeth out of mouth with a pair of, what were essentially, pliers!

Seriously, go for the hospital option!

Answer 6

It depends on a couple of factors: Are the teeth impacted (meaning covered with skin) or free of skin covering.

If impacted, the extraction is a little more complicated, though the outcome is still the same.

You should not suffer from undue pain unless the roots are particularly long. But, that is what pain medication is for.

Listen to your doctor and ASK QUESTIONS; it is your right to do so.

Do not drink decaffeinated, carbonated drinks and DO NOT SMOKE. These are warnings your doctor will give you as well.

Do not worry, tooth extractions are a common occurrence and rarely does anything wrong happen. Chin up!

Answer 7

If you have had any other extractions, it is no different. If you never had any teeth removed, then, yes, you will have some pain a few hours after they come out, but they will give you painkillers like Darvocet or Tylenol 3, etc. You must keep the gauze they give you in your mouth and change it every few hours, and NO CARBONATED DRINKS or SMOKING for 24 hours after. It's nothing to be scared of but it will hurt after the dentists local numbing stuff wears off. You will be fine in a couple days.

Answer 8

I had four removed at once. There was a bit of swelling but because of the anaesthetic I felt nothing until the next day. Make sure you have lots of pain killers for then. Then best remedy was by far to gargle with salt water. Tastes bad but keeps all the bugs away and reduces swelling.
All in all it was a bit of a non event. Don't worry.

What was quite funny though was the bruise in the shape of a foot on my chest once I woke up. That's some pulling!!!

Answer 9

My wife had hers removed about 10 yrs ago and it was an overnight stay in hospital job under general anaesthetic, though probably these days there may be an NHS car park drive thru for it so that you dont take up vital corridor space in the hospital.

For a couple of days her cheeks looked like she'd been in the boxing ring for a few rounds, and the neighbours gave ME funny looks.

Dont worry..if you need it doing just relax about it and get it done. Then a few weeks after I'm sure you'll be really glad you did.

Answer 10

It depends on whether they're on the top or bottom, how old you are, and how far along they are in their development. If you're under 20, you'll probably only have a little discomfort.
I had mine out in my mid-20's, and here's what I know:
I had a local anesthetic plus nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Three shots in gums around each tooth - the shots didn't hurt bad at all.
I felt nothing with the top teeth - no pain from cutting, really no feeling at all, just a *pop* when they came loose and out they came.
The bottom ones were hell. Even with a double dose of novocaine (3 more shots at each location), with only the lower jawbone to support them instead of the skull like on top, it hurt bad enough to make me yell, even though the gas had me unable to move.
My best advice? DON'T let them take those bottom ones out unless they're going to put you to sleep. So you'll put your whole body at risk for a tooth extraction. If you let them do it while you're awake, you'll regret it. Again, the top ones are no problem at all.
Then, afterward, your jaw is a little sore and swollen, but they give you pain pills - don't be afraid to take them. Follow the dr's advice and you'll be OK.