Very scared of impacted wisdom extraction. How much pain?

[Ink]

I'm 31. I'm scheduled to get two wisdom teeth removed next week, one partially erupted upper and one lower with partial bony impaction. I understand erupted uppers are a breeze, but that impacted lowers are painful.

I am so nervous you guys. I've been avoiding this for 15 years. I'm scared of the surgery itself, which is going to be done under light Versed sedation with epinephrine-free marcaine (due to a chronic condition I have). But I'm also so nervous about how awful I'm going to feel after. And because of my chronic illness I would like to avoid the prescription pain pills.

Am I going to be miserable or just uncomfortable? How bad is it going to be? I'm so scared.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hello Ink

There are many things you can do to ease and shorten the recovery period: take painkillers half an hour before (or half an hour after) the treatment, ice packegs, rins the your mouth daily with periodaid, and many other means. You can get some good advises from your family doctor and/or from the oral surgeon.

It sounds like the main factor in your fear is the unexpected factor, you don't know how is it goind to be like, and then come all kinds of worst-case scenarios and scary images. The best way to deal with it during the procedure is by asking the dentist to explain what is he about to do or what are you about to feel, and than only do it. This way to avoid surprises and to give you a sense of orientation and understanding on what is going on.
If you find this a suitable thing for you, I suggest maybe even write and email in advance to the oral surgeon and asking in advance to do so.

 

[Ink]

I'm really nervous about taking prescription pain pills. I fear side effects, especially nausea and vomiting. Do you think it's realistic to expect I could get through this with just tylenol and ibuprofen, or is the pain simply going to be too much?

 

[April]

Hi Ink

I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed and I must say I was very surprised. My mind ran away with me and I imagined all sorts of scenarios but thankfully thats all they were .... in my head!

I did to ask the surgeon for an anti sickness injection but don't know if he actually gave me one.
As for the recovery it was far, far better than I imagined. Yes my face and jaw ached but I had no pain, I took the painkillers regularly for a few days but over all it was good and left me wondering why I had put it off for 30+ years

Regular mouth washes and soft foods will all help the healing but the best medicine is the relief you feel ...... remember this is a once only deal, they will be gone and never bother you again

 

[Ink]

Thanks guys. My surgery was today and went better than anticipated, and so far I have had no need for prescription pain pills

 

[carole]

I am very pleased that your surgery went well for you, what a relieve for you for it all to be over now and you are feeling fine.

I hope your recovery goes well and WELL DONE TO YOU