adventures of surgery
Diary of having 2 wisdom tooth taken out in one day.
Day 1.
Super swollen face. My right face hurt extremely more than my left side because it was nearer to my nerve. Couldn't feel anything throughout the procedure for my left side but when it came to the right side, i basically could feel the INTENSE PAIN coming from my nerve – my dentist was nice and was more gentle with the right side due to the closeness to the nerve. It even hurt a little when he was stitching up but that wasn't a big deal.
After the whole procedure has ended, I think my entire bottom jaw was completely in discomfort from all the "trauma" but had to be done anyway. I could feel as if like my heartbeat was beating right next to my gums perhaps i was too nervous?
Non-stop bleeding for the first few hours. The pain gradually increases when the anaesthetic slowly faded away. Really good idea to pop the painkillers before it fades. Basically take nothing but clear soup if possible as swallowing can be quite a challenge for the first few days.
Day 2.
Pain and soreness was immensely discomforting. Not to mention not being able to close your mouth because the gauze pad was in your mouth throughout the first whole day to absorb the blood. Had trouble swallowing because of the gums being swollen all that. The taste of the blood was d i g u s t i n g. Stayed home the whole day. Thank god to whoever invented painkillers. Couldn't chew at all, so all i had was just porridge/soup/flat noodle soup (like kway chap).
My boyfriend came over and he was really sweet to just accompany me though most of the time he was just playing with my dog because I was just resting.
Day 3.
Still the same soreness and swelling. Pain has gradually subsided a tad bit. Porridge all day err day. Had some courage and went to the mirror and flashed my flashlight into my mouth to see them wounds. Couldn't open wide but just enough that I could see the small white circle (bone? whatever it was) and my stitches. There was also some red bruising at the back too as expected.
My boyfriend brought over my favourite yogurt when I was at home during the night! Best comfort food after the procedure!!
oh yes ALWAYS floss and brush, do whatever to keep the extraction site clean to prevent any infection. Had to be super careful whenever I'm doing so but no pain no gain right?
DRINK lots of water - trust me you would want to because your mouth might get dry from not being able to close all the time. Keep away the bad breath too!
Day 4.
Decided to not take the strong dosage of pain killers anymore and just took it only when I couldn't stand it. I think it was better because somehow this trained me to get more used and numb to the pain.
Still can't chew, face still swollen but was able to leave the house and watch a movie. Though kind sucks because I basically can't eat nachos/popcorn!! Don't suck from a straw too because this might dislodge the blood clot from your extraction site.
Day 5.
Sundays are gooood. Had to go for some short training as I was involved in the upcoming IT show hehe. Just a quick holiday job to earn some quick $$$.
Day 6.
Yogurt again as usual. Basically went to school to run some errands and do set up, did some more work and then went out for dinner and had my favourite noodle soup!! Filling and great.
As my mouth couldn't chew properly, i felt it's important to find other sources of energy as i think it kind of helps with the healing process too. Take some fruit juices too as it helps provide vitamins, i've been drinking watermelon juice and apple juice... orange too if you're a fan of it.
Day 7.
Had presentation today for a competition. Had no idea how I managed to go through it with my rather swollen mouth as i think I sound kind of muffled? But whatever I made it through to the Top 3 finalist!!!?! Was super surprised because with all my circumstances and low confidence... thank God again!! Super blessed :))
Could use the front teeth to bite off some shredded chicken and soft sausages so wasn't too bad. Nothing to difficult to chew would be alright. Had pan cooked fish that was soft and ate it was angel-hair pasta. Cut the pasta shorter so that it would be easier for me to swallow it.
But at last, my face isn't as swollen as it was in the past few days. You will gradually see the improvement over the next few days if you had a dental procedure too. Just follow what your dentist says and google if you are hesitant about certain things, it definitely helped me a lot.
One step closer to my braces.. It'll be worth it.
Eating my soft butter bread now good bye.