Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

[gotallthiswaiting]

Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

As if I weren't already a generally anxious person, tomorrow is a landmark for me! I am going in to have four impacted wisdom teeth removed with the help of IV sedation. A little bit about me: I am 24 years old, and had experienced a minor infection around one of my wisdom teeth that was coming in. My oral surgeon had prescribed me with Amoxicillin for the infection (but I have since discovered that I am allergic -- swollen eyelids), and Percoset for the pain. I have stopped taking the Amoxicillin after speaking with my doctor, and am not quite sure what the alternative antibiotic will be. The surgeon told me I have a high chance of having lower jaw nerve damage leading to numb lips!!!! Anyway, I guess this is all unimportant and unrelated to my primary concern.

I know it will be fine, but I guess I mostly feel paranoid about whether I will make a fool of myself during the procedure. I am looking for guidance from those of you who have worried about being asleep, yet still able to respond to questions, etc. What kind of things is a person typically asked during sedation? How can a patient even answer a question when they are having such a crazy procedure go on in their mouth?

How long does it typically take to remove all four impacted wisdom teeth?

What happens after the procedure... Where will I "snap out" of sedation? Can people usually walk, or is a wheelchair used, etc.? My friend that is accompanying me to my appointment is probably not able to stay with me very long after I return home-- is this a big deal, or will I likely just go to sleep when I get home?

One more thing, this is all going down tomorrow (Monday). I am expected to return to work by Thursday. Is that enough time? I have a very detail-oriented job working for the federal gov't and am not sure how narcotics will mix with my productivity expectations. Is percoset pretty difficult to function with?


See what I mean... high anxiety.


Thanks for your help ahead of time!

 

[K-Bird]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

Good luck tomorrow....I will be thinking about you! I have never had to have my wisdom teeth out, so I cant comment on that. I will be going to the dentist tomorrow just for an exam and I am freaked out...sounds like you are going to have a much tougher day, and I truly hope all goes well for you.
Everyone will be here for you if your friend has to leave--please let us how it went. Again, my caring thoughts will be with you.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

Hello
During the procedure itself you should not snap out the sedation and probably you will not remember anything from the treatment itself. If a specialist (or at least an experienced dentist) is conducting the procedure it might take around 30-45 minutes for the hall procedure. You will need help getting home since you will be dozy. , but once you are home you do not really need an escorting friend.
A couple of hours later you will probably start having post-operative pain and swelling for at least 48h. It is normal and be controlled by pain killers (your dentist should guide you what to take).
I think you will be able to go back to work, you will feel a bit discomfort from the mouth but in very moderate way.
GOOD LUCK

 

[chickenjen]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

Good luck today!!!
I highly recommend that you take a pain reliever of some sort (prescription or non) as soon as you can even if you are feeling no pain.
I had a wisdom tooth pulled when I was about your age and I waited till the Novacain wore off before I took any pain relievers......... BIG BIG mistake!!!
I had 9 extractions done in 2008 with IV sedation (including 2 wisdom teeth). I was pretty much feeling close to normal the 2nd or 3rd day after.
Hope that helps!

 

[gotallthiswaiting]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

Hey all,

Thanks for the kind words. I had my surgery at 9:30 am today and it went very well. I vaguely remember the recovery room, and I know that one of the attending nurses told me that she was pretty sure there wouldn't be nerve damage; however, it is now 5pm and I still feel an incredible amount of numbness in my chin and bottom lip. My tongue only regained feeling about 30 minutes ago. It is really hard to eat; in fact, I was trying to eat yogurt a bit ago and had to use a mirror! I was making a mess of my lips like you wouldn't believe!

The surgery was great, no big deal. I loved the IV sedation; however, I am a little concerned that it may have resulted in nerve damage. I am trying not to feel too negative about it, and I do have a follow-up appointment scheduled for a week from tomorrow with my oral surgeon to make sure all is well. In any case, have any of you experienced nerve damage, or numbness of this sort? If this is not nerve damage, how long does it take for the numbness of novocain to subside after wisdom teeth extraction? My face looks fine, no swelling at all as I have been obsessively following all post-operative directions. Took two oxycodone a bit ago, so hopefully if my mouth should be in pain, I don't notice!!!!!

 

[K-Bird]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

I hope you start feeling better soon and are able to eat without the mirror!
Glad everything went well

 

[Mikey Boy]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

congrats yu did it it must feel good to know that yu can do anything get well soon pm me if need some support cheers to yu

 

[chickenjen]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

Glad to hear it went well.
I don't think the IV sedation causes nerve damage.....I think it's the wisdom teeth. How they grew in and what the dentist has to do to pull them.......but check with someone else cuz I'm not a nurse, just going by what I have heard.
's,
Jen

 

[tabatha7]

Re: Tomorrow: four impacted wisdom teeth being removed with the help of IV sedation

Do you feel any tingliness or sensation at all in the numb areas you are concerned about? If you do, I have heard this is a very good sign. It might just take a little while. So glad everything went well for you.