Readers Respond: Your Wisdom Teeth Removal - No Big Deal or a Complete Nightmare?

Responses: 10

Wisdom teeth extractions are a common practice in dentistry -- just another day at the office for most dentists. Ask a patient about his or her wisdom teeth removal and chances are the story you hear will sound more like a nightmare than a trip to see the dentist.

What was your wisdom teeth removal like? Was it a piece of cake or more reminiscent of a horror film? Was your recovery quick and painless or slow and agonizing? Share your wisdom teeth removal stories here to help prepare others for what's to come.

Wisdom Teeth No Big Deal

I was SO scared to get my wisdom teeth out. I got them taken yesterday, and it was not bad at all. I had IV sedation and I was nearly crying when the needle came towards me, but it didn't hurt at all and I was asleep in 3 seconds. I cried my eyes out when I woke up because I was disoriented. I was nauseous yesterday but now I feel fine. I am in no pain. (They sent home some Vicodin, but I'm not taking it, because I don't need to.) Just follow the aftercare and don't worry about it. It's not a bad procedure at all. Just make sure your surgeon is nice and willing to listen to you.

—Guest TheToastSnob

OUCH!!!!

I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted and the extraction or procedure itself isn't painful. All you feel is the basic pressure of the surgeon pulling out the tooth and that's only if your under L.A. if your completely knocked then hey, ur lucky lol....but the pain comes afterward it didn't kill me but it was annoying to not be able to talk or eat correctly. The first day I bleed for a few hours and it hurt like hell, couldn't talk and could not eat, the rest of the week the pain started to slowly diminish but it was definitely an annoying and semi-painful process, it really depends on the person and the persons pain tolerance, but it is truly worth it to not have the constant pain of the tooth bothering you in the future.. a week of minor pain is worth it

—Guest New York City Girl

wisdom removal

Can anyone answer me this if the dentist did not take an x-ray of the tooth, my wisdom tooth which was decayed could there be complications? What complications? I just took out my tooth and I was scared before and still kinda worried after? Should I be and if so why? The procedure altogether was a smooth one! no problems re: the extraction.

—Guest Patrina

Nothing to be afraid of

I was absolutely terrified of having my wisdom tooth out but it was so simple I would recommend it to anyone. It bled for a couple of hours but 4 hours after the procedure I was eating again normally. Soft food for a couple of days & salt baths as recommended and it will be fine.

—Guest emz

Nightmare!

Ok so my experience was horrible! I couldn't talk for the first 2 day since I got all my wisdom teeth extracted and I had crown lengthening on my front 2 teeth. My face was swollen and I am only 15 yrs old and they say the younger u r they easiest it is and that is not true at all for me. I feel completely starving since today is my 4th day of eating nothing but soups and it kills me to see other ppl around me eating meat, but anyways I'm really worried about dry socket since I've snuck in a bit of meat into my diet but I feel fine now.

—Guest angelinaaaa

my fear gone!

I had my wisdom teeth extraction for my both mandibular teeth. It took a lot of courage for me to decide whether to extract them or not. I was 18 at the time. my M.O.S was done under L.A. Lucky me! thanks for my mom, who forbid G.A on me. Could you imagine how i bear with the pain for the whole 2 weeks due to my 2 wisdom teeth extraction? My cheeks became swollen. I can't even touch them! But there's nothing to worry when it's fully recover! Be brave to extract them. Oral surgeon knows what they're doing. hehe..

—Guest phoenix90

Wisdom teeth exo

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal depends of how impacted the tooth was prior to extraction and whether or not post op instructions are followed (ie. no smoking).

—denisesanders134

a long time ago

I had my wisdom teeth out about 30 years ago under general anesthesia. I awoke in a small cell-like enclosure, totally alone and choking on the cotton swabs that had fallen back in my throat. I might have choked to death if I hadn't woken up. Before having your wisdom teeth out, ask about what kind of anesthesia the dentist uses and how they supervise and care for patients who are still unconscious.

—Guest Susan

Nothing to fear...

I agree. I was a little apprehensive upon reading and hearing the horror stories of others, but my experience was not bad at all. I recommend anybody getting this done FOLLOW your surgeon's or dentists instructions. Most bad experiences are a result of people not listening and being diligent about their post-care. I was also worried because I am 32 and I heard the older you are, the worse it can be, but again, no troubles really. Icing was key (20 minutes/20minutes off) and I took a cpl painkillers right when the bleeding stopped so I would transition into the rest of the day smoothly. By day two I was taking ibuprofen occasionally. At times I didn't even need painkillers. I am on day 3 now and other than a little discomfort, I am totally fine and feeling great. I wish I would have done this sooner. Now I can live my life not worrying about dental problems. I am not totally in the clear from dry socket yet, but I am sticking to Ensure and pureed foods until day 5 to be safe!

—Guest 18Wheeler

Wisdom Teeth Removal

I had an upper wisdom tooth removed by my dentist in her office. I was terrified because of the horror stories I heard but my experience was just the opposite. My dentist had no problem removing my tooth and it came out very easily. It probably helped that I asked her to freeze it really well because I do not like pain, and that is what she did, I did not feel a thing. Prior to my extraction I had another tooth filled, but am feeling ok right now. Don't believe everything you hear like I did, sometimes you worry for nothing.

—Guest Northern Gal