Got the dreaded extraction
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 3:06 pm
....and it was a breeze.
The extraction that it.
The aftermath was brutal.
Join me as I float back to last Friday:
I had an 8 o'clock appt and was told not to eat for at least six hours before. Needless to say, I was starving by the time the extraction was complete!
I went the Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) route, as it was more cost efficient @ $644. They injected me with the typical tooth/mouth numbing substance and proceeded to pull them out. All sorts of things went through my mind, but I was, for the most part, completely relaxed -- partially engaged in their conversation (they were a funny lot, the dental assistants)
Thankfully I was told that I didnt need to have any bone removed, etc - simply pulling on the 4 wisdom teeth -- cut and dry.
When it was done - 45 mins later my mouth was still numb and could seem to close. I hadnt seen myself so I would later found that that was the result of the gauze that was placed there to catch the blood.
The most difficult part of it for me was afterwards. I coudnt eat OR drink! No matter how soft, I couldnt seem to swallow! Not even my smoothie - which I was told to consume before taking the percoset pain killer and antibiotics which were prescribed. As the novacaine wore off, the pain set in, but it was more of a dull ache.
When I went to pick up the prescription it took the FOREVER due to the fact that it was a new pharmacy that didnt have my updated insurance information. I literally cried because they took so long. Of course, I feel foolish in retrospect but at that point it felt as though my world had ended.
Went home, slept - percoset really knocks you out.
Most disgusting part is drooling uncontrollably - blood no less.
My advice, pile a few towels on your pillow for the next 2 days before resting your head on the pillow. It's very necessary. Also, stock up on gauze, the amount the tend to give at the oral surgeon's office simply isnt enough. Buy a lot of fruits that you can blend them and drink smoothies for the next few days, thin smoothies, not thick because like me, you may have difficulty swallowing. Initially at least. Have someone close by to take care of you because you may feel faint.
Personally, I was very queasy because I was told NOT to spit, as doing so may dislodge a bloodclot. Therefore, I found that I actually swallowed quite a bit of blood. YUCK. Added to that was the fact that I had taken heavy duty painkillers on a semi empty, vanilla smoothie drenched stomach -- needless to say I spent a few minutes kneeling in front of the toilet
All in all, by the third day I was feeling MUCH better. So much better in fact that I was dancing around the house -- doing my happy dance
Perhaps I've shared entirely too much, perhaps this was helpful.
Just wanted you guys to know what to expect -- the good, the bad and the not so pretty.
