Wisdom teeth are something many people decide to remove, while others do not have any problems at all. Students and adults undergo this surgery and overcome the recovery of the quick but not-so-easy surgery. According to the Better Health Channel website, wisdom teeth are the third set of molars used for chewing tougher foods; however, as time went on, foods got softer, and jaws became narrower, which led to wisdom teeth being “tucked away.” Usually, people have these teeth removed before they begin to break the surface of the gums. Others keep them, allowing them to grow as any other tooth. (BetterHealthChannel.com, March 2, 2022) Many Lewis Cass students have had their wisdom teeth removed and have had many different experiences and outcomes. Whether the anesthesia made them loopy or they had pain for weeks, everyone has a different experience.
The typical age for wisdom tooth removal is 17-25 years old, although many people get them removed before, to avoid further issues. Many people who have had braces fear that the wisdom teeth will mess up their alignment and progress, so they have them removed. This way, they do not have to pay more for braces or go through the process again. Senior, Michael Myers had his wisdom teeth removed about a year ago, had braces prior, thus had his wisdom teeth removed early to ensure no damage would be made to the alignment of his teeth. Myers went under anesthesia for his procedure, which is well known for making the patient feel loopy and/or disoriented. Michael was asked about the funniest thing he did due to anesthesia. He said, “The funniest thing that happened off the anesthesia, at least to my parents, was when I had a complete screaming fit because I couldn’t figure out how to use a straw.” Many people undergo anesthesia when they have teeth removed. Other options include laughing gas or numbing medication. This choice can be based on preference or the cost of the procedure.
Most people believe the surgery itself is not bad, but it is the recovery is the hard part. Michael said, “I went through the usual pain-killing drugs, but I ate a LOT of ice cream to soothe the pain. It was enjoyable while it lasted, but I had to spend a lot of time on the treadmill to make up for it.” The liquid diet is not one of the easiest things to overcome.
Some patients have horrible reactions to anesthesia. Junior, Alana Fagan, who had her wisdom teeth removed recently, had a bad reaction to the anesthetic she was administered. She said, “When I got my wisdom teeth removed, I did not recover well at first. My mouth hurt really badly. I was transported to the ER by ambulance from my house.” Alana never truly figured out the cause of her reaction, but she recovered well afterward. She also mentioned feeling extremely dizzy and nauseous after the fact. With my personal experience, I learned that ice and pain medicine were my best friends. I also had a lot of funny reactions from the anesthesia, and never really had a bad reaction. I just did not really enjoy it (the anesthesia) when the numbness wore off. Junior, Gracie Spicer was asked if she was nervous prior to her surgery. She said, “I wasn’t nervous before going into surgery because I had had prior surgeries that were more complicated.” She also mentioned being nauseous due to the anesthesia and was in pain afterward for a few days.
Many people plan to have their wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible, but sometimes students have to wait until their teeth are ready to be removed, so it is easier for the oral surgeon. Junior, Bekah Birkey, has her surgery scheduled for January, and she was asked what she is doing to prepare herself. She said, “I have just been telling myself that it will be worth it to not have the pain of them coming in anymore.”
Experiencing pain in the jaw area is one of the indicators that it may be time to have your wisdom teeth removed. Birkey also stated, “ I am the most nervous about the pain and also the IV because I hate shots.” Anesthesia is when an IV is administered. When I had my wisdom teeth removed, I was most nervous about the IV because of the needle. After the initial pinch, it was not bad at all. Preparing for a surgery that takes much recovery and can be nerve-wracking, but after the pain is gone, it is worth it in the long run.
Many students have their wisdom teeth removed, and the funny videos, swollen cheeks, and ice pack wraps never stop. The intensity of the surgery is not as bad as some may think; also, a toothache is something no one wants to deal with. In the end, whether you take the anesthetic route or you decide to use the laughing gas, the procedure will benefit you in many ways: relieving pain, saving your teeth from moving, and helping out your jaw structure. Make sure to send your friends all the funny videos, and get plenty of rest. Over time, the pain will improve, and you will feel better than ever in no time, if you stay up on the pain meds!
