Wisdom Teeth Removal Series: the Consultation

Yes, the image above is a real photo of the x-ray taken of my teeth. You could be a dentist reading this or someone who is about to get their wisdom teeth removed, too. Either way, it is clear in the x-ray that my mouth does not have enough room for my wisdom teeth to come in.

This is the first installment of my three part series about getting wisdom teeth removed. I want to share this experience in the most relatable way possible because as I searched the internet for more information I was never able to find something that was actually from someone’s own experience.

All that is out there on the the world wide web is the information from oral surgeons and funny removal aftermath videos. Despite the immense laughter those videos give me, I want to add in a different variety so this series will hopefully help someone someday.

After years of denial and pretending it wasn’t a problem, the day had finally arrived where my dentist recommended I get my wisdom teeth removed. So, we scheduled a consultation to find out what I can expect that day of removal.

I had so many questions to ask, particularly about how to deal with the removal areas after the procedure. My biggest concern was about brushing my teeth (I know it’s silly, isn’t it?). I have made it a habit to brush my teeth after each meal if I can so not being able to keep up this routine was concerning for me. But then again, I probably wouldn’t feel like eating much anyway.

The day of the consultation had finally arrived and I was ready to have all of my worries put at ease. They asked to see my x-ray for analysis and then I was off to talk to my oral surgeon.

There were two different options I was initially presented with, I could be awake for the procedure or asleep. Let me just say, I am not too proud to say that when it comes to anything that has to do with teeth I am a total chicken. There was NO WAY I was going to be awake while they remove my wisdom teeth! So, I went for the more mind easing option of being put to sleep.

After the anesthesia options were settled, the oral surgeon began going over some of the symptoms post-removal that I in particular could expect. He told me that since I have a fair complexion I could have more bruising on my cheeks than usual.

There was also the mention of swelling. Now, I have seen a lot of funny wisdom teeth removal videos so I was more familiar with this symptom since a lot of folks in those videos come out of the procedure looking like chipmunks. Anyway, the oral surgeon told me that swelling was a possibility and that using three bags of frozen peas will help to keep the swelling at bay.

Next we were on to talking about taking pain medication how to manage the pain after the wisdom teeth are removed. There will be medication prescribed to me, but I spoke with the oral surgeon about just using something like Advil or ibuprofen. He said that would be fine and some people are able to get by on using just those two forms of medicine to manage the pain.

Another tip the oral surgeon gave me was that for the first few days after the wisdom teeth are removed, I will need to sleep with my head more elevated than usual. So, that means sleeping on somewhere around two to three pillows or more if necessary.

It goes without saying there is no way to drive yourself to and from the wisdom teeth removal procedure. I am thankful to be doing this while on summer break as a college student so my Mom and maybe even my Dad will be able to take me to my appointment. They will also have the challenge of dealing with loopy Sarah haha!

The consultation altogether was not very long, but full of good information. Oh, and that question I had about brushing my teeth after the wisdom teeth are removed was also brought up. I am happy to inform anyone else who likes freshly cleaned teeth that you can brush them the day of the removal with the only requirement being that you are a little more gentle than usual. It is also important to remember that you will need to avoid brushing in the areas where the wisdom teeth once were until the gums are all healed again.

Overall, the consultation truly did ease my mind and made me feel like I was prepared. It also gave me confidence in the oral surgeon and his team. I had never met anyone at that particular office before since this was note like my regular dentist office, but I fell much better after the consultation in knowing that they will do an excellent job.

Much Love,

Sarah