So since my early twenties, my wisdom teeth had been nothing but trouble. Popping up a couple of times a year, causing pain then disappearing under the gum again. It really wasn't much of an issue at the time, i just assumed they would come through.
The last couple of years these episodes were becoming more and more frequent, and this year they really started to give me trouble. I ended up having flare ups where they would cause an infection once every couple of months, which caused pain and swelling - and anti-biotics. I decided despite my dentist phobia, it was time for them to go, as the last thing i needed on top of ME pain was anything else.
After yet another trip to the dentist, i was referred to hospital to have them removed under a general anaesthetic. Although it was mainly the bottom two causing the pain, i was told after an Xray at the hospital that whilst the bottom two were indeed impacted, and there was no room for them to grow - the top two were erupted, but at an angle.
So on the 8th October off to hospital i went. Although i have had far too many operations i can even begin to count, i was pretty nervous as have never even had a filling - my dental phobia arising from a scale and polish many years ago which has left me with sensitive teeth since.
When i woke up from the operation i wasn't in too much pain; my main concern was that it would wipe me out hugely which for us, is normal after having a general. However, i didn't feel too bad. I told the anaesthetist beforehand, and i quote, that i had 'Myalgic Encephalomyelitis', and she clearly knew what it was. Perhaps they done something differently? I don't know, maybe i was just lucky.
My face was quite swollen, but not as bad as i had imagined, and mainly on my right side where they had to drill into the bone, as the tooth was so impacted. I was up and about to the toilet pretty soon after coming round, and the nurses were very impressed (as was i) at this, so i was discharged around 4 hours after waking up. I had 'sore' pain everywhere apart from the lower right jawline, which was pretty painful, but bearable. No blood (I had a vision of waking up with a mouth full!)
When i had my pre-op, i was told by the nurse because of my history (Whatever that meant, ME, MRSA or recurrent infections in general) i would almost definitely be given anti-biotics. However upon being discharged i was not prescribed any. I discussed this with the nurse, and she agreed it was strange - she then suggested i speak to one of the surgical team, as the last thing she wanted was for me to develop an infection and have to return for anti-biotics.
Happy to wait, an hour later i saw the dental doctor. He advised that it was protocol not to prescribe anti-biotics after wisdom teeth removal. This alone surprised me, as it is quite an invasive procedure, but having such a susceptibility to infections i was adamant that i felt i needed them. However he felt they 'didn't necessarily reduce the risk of infection'.
The next day, with the pain medication given during the operation beginning to wear off, i was starting to feel the pain. By the Saturday, which was two days later - i was in agony, and on maximum dose prescription pain medication. The worst pain i have ever felt was a gallbladder attack which was a full 10/10, this was around an 8 - and i as many of you also do, have a high pain tolerance being in near permanent pain of some sort.
Sunday (3 days later) it was even worse, and i called NHS 111. After a roundabout of calls i was told by a GP i could maximise the ibuprofen which i was taking alongside the prescription pain relief, but that there were no dentists available and i would have to see my dentist next day.
Monday - absolute AGONY!! 11/10, something wasn't right - i just knew it. Had an emergency dental appointment who advised i could have a painful complication called dry socket, but as my mouth was so swollen inside he couldn't see. I had been spitting out clots of blood, which suggested dry socket. I was prescribed anti-biotics, and have just finished them yesterday. My stitches have finally dissolved, and the past two days i have been able to eat normal foods.
It is not an experience i want to go through again, but i am glad it's now all over. I am happy i was prepared in advance (a list of items below!) I was rather annoyed about the infection, as it could have been prevented if i was given anti-biotics initially, so if you are to have this procedure done, please do air any concerns to the surgeon about this.
Its different for everyone, but my experience was this
DAY 1 -OPERATION - Mild pain, moderate swelling, could barely open mouth. Water only.
DAY 2 - Pain increasing, mild/moderate, swelling increasing. Complan for food.
DAY 3 - Pain increasing, tolerance decreasing rapidly!! Complan for food.
DAY 4 - Severe pain, medication not touching it. Complan for food.
DAY 5 - AGONY, made me cry.... only a muscle spasm and a gallbladder attack has done that before! Anti-biotics given.
DAY 6 - Pain slightly reducing. Could manage mashed potato, if i turned (small) spoon upside down. Pain with every spoonful.
DAY 7 - Pain reducing, swelling still pretty much the same. Mashed potato!
DAYS 8 TO 12 - Anti-biotics done the job! The pain and swelling have been improving each day, today the rest of my stitches came out and i can eat solids. Still a little pain in right lower tooth, but nothing in comparison. PHEW!!
Wisdom teeth removal saviour list, all of these things helped tremendously!
- Ice pack (15 mins on/15 mins off) for swelling
- Arnica cream for swelling
- Arnica capsules for swelling and shock to the body
- Anbesol liquid local anaesthetic for pain
- Dentogen gel (clove oil) for pain
- Lidocaine cream for outer tenderness of cheeks where they were swollen
- Painkillers taken regularly (Didn't always work though!!)
- 3 pillows to keep head elevated in bed
- Salt rinse twice a day after op, then after every meal for 10 days
- Complan nutritional drinks
- Corsodyl mouthwash twice a day, at first DO NOT swish, just tilt head to the side. Do not use for more than 10 days
- Finally, distraction, TLC and lots of bed rest!!
