wisdom tooth extraction, what's it like?

[jujumaman]

I have to have one out in hospital next month (and the other two at some unspecfied time later at the dentist's)

Have opted for local rather than general anaesthetic as am fairly stoic about these things. But is it agony afterwards? And how long for? Will I be able to go straight back to work/looking after dcs or will I have to go to bed for at least the afternoon? [secretly hoping for latter answer emoticon]

Any experiences gratefully listened to. Thank you

[chopchopbusybusy]

Definitely sort out some child care for the afternoon and evening. I had two removed by my dentist and didn't feel much at all. Went happily back to work afterwards. I felt fine until the anaesthetic wore off on the way home and was in agony. I did take the next day off work but was fine after that. Sorry for being so honest because I don't want to put you off, but it's best to be prepared and at least you can plan to do nothing and stock up on painkillers.

[sbrown]

I had two out on the same side of my mouth one week, and the other two out the next week. I was at college at the time, and was at college straight after (even had an exam after one extraction) the appointments which were at the dentist with local anaesthetic (even though it involved some chipping away at the bone of the jaw). It was a bit painful but I just took some OTC painkillers. However, my friend found her cheeks were very sore and needed to stay off work for a day.

Maybe it would be better to plan on being in bed for the afternoon then you've covered both scenarios .

Suzie
x

[ComeOVeneer]

It really depends on how difficul/easy the tooth is to get out, wether it is impacted/decayd/broken etc so it is hard to say. Is it top or bottom. Top is easier. You will probably feel fairly bruised. Take arnica to aid healing. TBH you will probably feel better having a local, apart from the obvious effects of a ga, the dentist will be less brutual with you if you are awake!

[aGalChangedHerName]

I have had all 4 of mine out. They were all impacted. 2 came out fairly easily and it was a bit sore afterwards.

The other 2 were seriously impacted and it was nightmare. Dentist almose sitting on my chest and much pain afterwards. I had my ds there during the extractions and had to look after him afterwards too.

Was awful. I would see if you can arrange childcare just in case.

[throckenholt]

I had an upper one out at the dentist with a local and it was fine (despite my fears) - not agony at all.

Afternoon in bed - well you will have earned it !

[LongDroopyBoobyLady]

I've had 3 out, all at the same time and had the dentist sit on my chest to extract 1 of them too! But I didn't suffer any pain afterwards.

The worse thing for me was hearing the teeth crunching as they were being pulled out but, as I said, there was no pain!
By the next morning I had forgotten that I'd had them out.

I would arrange childcare tho' just in case your experience isn't a good one.

[CaptainKarvol]

I also had a top wisdom tooth (my one and only!) out at the dentists under a local.

The very charming dentist told me in slightly odd english that this would 'only be slightly terrible', and the image of the dental nurse trying not to laugh out loud is my main memory of the event.

It was all absolutely fine. Not even slightly terrible.

[EachPeachPearMum]

Just take care afterwards- no going out in wind etc.
I had a horrible infection after mine- looked like marlon brando, but worse jowls! It was so painful.

[meglet]

The extraction wasn't much fun as my tooth was impacted and it took 45 bloody minutes . I had to take 3 days off work as I was swollen, couldn't talk properly, bruised down my neck and not eating. I'd get some help with the DC's just in case if I were you.

But after a few days it was only mildy uncomfortable and has been fine ever since. Just wish I could persuade the dentist to take the other 3 out before they wreak havoc too .

[jujumaman]

Thanks so much for the advice. Eek, dentist sitting on your chest?!? What a horrible thought (you should see my dentist, George Clooney he ain't)

I'm having a bottom one taken out in hospital, I don't think it's impacted but it's been giving me grief for years now so an afternoon or so's agony is worth it in the long run. Any other advice/experiences appreciated, I've no idea what I'm letting myself in for and the hospital gives you no info at all.

[maviscrewit]

Oooh not sure if I should share my experience, but I will anyway!!

I had all four taken out at the same time by the dentist. He said I would be heavily sedated and not remember a thing. I remember him taking the first one out before the sedation came into effect. When he took the impacted one he had to drill right into my jaw and he almost gave up. When I came round the pain was unimaginably excruciating. I was unable to function for two days becuase of the pain. I couldn't eat solids for two weeks and yes I had a bruise on my chest from where he knelt on me.

If I did it again it would be hospital and a GA. One of the worst experiences of my life.

Having said that if you are having one out it shouldn't be so bad, but it will be painful so be prepared. If its stuck in your jaw it won't be pleasant.

Sorry if I've scared you and good luck. I am so thankful they can't grow back!!