I have needed to get my wisdom teeth out for quite some time. I know that when I had a car wreck in 1986 my dentist told my mom that I should think about having that done...it's been 32 years of thinking and my bottom teeth are crooked now so I'm thinking it's time. What is stopping me you might ask? Here are all the reasons:
1. I will have to bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs...I can just hear the gristle of my flapping gums. Oh dear.
2. I'm not supposed to disturb the surgical area on the first day. I should NOT rinse vigorously or PROBE the area with any OBJECTS. (Who would do this?!) I may brush my teeth gently. Smoking will retard healing, causing increased discomfort and increased chance of dry sockets. I don't even smoke, but just the word, sockets, makes me cringe...sockets....Lord help me!
3. I should brush my teeth the night of surgery...are you kidding me?! Aren't there stitches and swelling and painful stuff going on back there?
4. I should be careful going from the lying down position to standing. I could get light headed when I stand up suddenly. Here we go...gonna pass out again. If they have to tell you about it, then it's going to happen!
5. Bleeding will occur after surgery, and it is not uncommon to ooze blood for 24-48 hours after surgery. Keep in mind that oral bleeding represents a little blood and a lot of saliva. Placing a gauze pack over the area and biting firmly will control bleeding. If oozing is still active, replace gauze as needed every 30-45 minutes. I CANNOT do this. Period. Gag.
6. Bleeding should never be severe. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office. I might as well just die.
7. Swelling. I'm going to look like I have the mumps or even elephantiasis!!
8. You should fill two zipper-lock bags with crushed ice. Cut a pair of pantyhose at the thigh and slide both ice bags halfway down the leg (to the knee area). Tie the ends of the pantyhose on top of the patients head and adjust ice to sides of face over surgical sites. I can't see doing this AT ALL. I got lost after reading the word pantyhose.
9. Unfortunately most Wisdom Teeth Removal is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You will usually have a prescription for pain medication. I don't do pills and the word discomfort is scary.
10. Confine the first days intake to liquids or pureed foods (soups, puddings, yogurt, milkshakes, etc.) Avoid chewing food until tongue sensation has returned. What?!! My tongue will be dead? It is best to avoid foods like rice, nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., which may get lodged in the socket areas. Here we are with the socket talk again!
11. Nausea and vomiting can occur as a result of swallowed blood, discomfort, anesthesia or pain medicines. Ugh! I might as well start vomiting right now.
12. The development of black, blue, green or yellow bruising. Beginning 36 hours after the surgery, moist heat applied to the area may speed up resolution of the discoloration. I'm going to look like an overly-ripe banana.
13. If I feel something hard or sharp edges in the surgical areas, it is likely I am feeling the bony walls which once supported the extracted teeth. Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week or so. I CAN'T. I am already sick to my stomach and woozy thinking this could even happen to me.
So, the biggest question of the day...who is going to volunteer to go with me and hold my hand and pick me up off the floor when I pass out? These above reasons are maybe all of the reasons I have for putting off having my wisdom teeth taken out...not to mention when they gas you, total ridiculousness comes out of your mouth...I have no idea what I might say...maybe that is my biggest worry!! Who knows!?!
One of these days I will quit being a big baby and go have this procedure done...until then I'm up for any suggestions, opinions, Do's and Don'ts, etc.
One of these days I will quit being a big baby and go have this procedure done...until then I'm up for any suggestions, opinions, Do's and Don'ts, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment