Wisdom Teeth

On Friday May 13, 2005 I had oral surgery to remove all four of my wisdom teeth. The surgery started at about 1:30p and I was home by 4:30p. I was given nitrous-oxide by a nose mask, an IV injection that practically knocked me out (though, technically I wasn't completely put under), and full mouth/jaw nerve block via needle injection. They did it in that order and by the time the IV was in, I didn't feel or care about much else. I have only a vague (and in my opinion humorous) memory of the event:

During the procedure I remember becoming aware of a scrapping or scratching noise in my mouth. I began to lift my arm towards the nitrous mask hearing a voice say something to the affect of "Ah, here comes the inevitable nose itch" and they removed the mask presumably to let me scratch my nose. What I actually wanted was for them to up the dosage, and after some hand movements and assorted grunts (I couldn't talk - stuff was in my mouth), they got the message and returned the mask. My guess is that they acquiesced, because the next thing I remember I was lying in the car's passenger seat and Dad was driving me home.

I don't remember anything more coherent from the surgery. I have some odd images, but nothing I could describe, and nothing bad. I don't remember setting in the recovery chair, and I don't remember how I got in the car.

Dad got me home and helped me ice my mouth. I took a full dose of the Vicodin that had been prescribed to me days prior to the surgery. My jaw and tongue stayed numb and tingly until the next morning, and I slept most of the rest of Friday (though I did eat some Jell-O and pudding at various waking points). By Saturday morning I was feeling pretty well, and by the evening I felt pretty good and was taking only minimal doses of the pain-killers.

It's now Monday afternoon and I've been off the Vicodin for over 24 hours. My mouth doesn't feel perfect, there is still some tenderness where the teeth used to be, and I have to be careful not to get food caught back there, but it feels good all in all. I can actually feel relief. For the last year or so there has been pressure and irritation in the back of my mouth and in between my jaw. That's all gone!

I have a few more days of healing to go, and a follow-up appointment on the 24th. I have plenty of soup, Cream of Wheat, Jell-O, and pudding to eat. I'm feeling great and am happy to have finally done this! Thank you to Dr. Seul for the excellent work, and to my parents and Sandy for all of your help and support.