So I posted about the surgery asking people for their experience and such but no one seemed to answer, and I couldn’t really find posts about it on here either! I was looking for someone who was on birth control and getting oral surgery. Didn’t find anyone, so I’ll be the person!

Consultation:

I went in for a very informative consultation. Now, my wisdom teeth had not erupted from my gums yet, so I got my teeth taken out right on time. I had some big boi teeth, and found out I had to get all four taken out. The doctor made sure to go over EVERYTHING.

I learned that bacteria can get trapped in between the molar and the wisdom tooth. It is better to get it out as soon as possible, because we cannot floss between these two teeth! If not taken out, it can lead to infection or cavities.

The root of the tooth is also important. Mine hadn’t reached my nerves yet. However, if it had, it is a much more risky surgery. You may lose sensation in your mouth. It is so important to get them out as soon as you can, and not wait until the last minute.

It is also important to get them taken out if you need them to be taken out because it can crowd the rest of your teeth and push them and make it crooked! Then you’d need to get braces, and I don’t think that’s quite fun.

After the consultation, I learned I was going to be put under anesthesia. As someone with anxiety, this freaked me out the day of my surgery. I even had a dream about it. I was afraid I wouldn’t wake up.

When I was put on laughing gas, and I was losing control and sense, I started crying and the dentist (he’s a doctor dentist. he went to UCSF and got his graduate, so pHd and md) helped calm me down. I had monitors on my hips, and shoulders.

They injected me with “sleepy juice” and I really don’t even remember knocking out. I woke up and it felt like five minutes had past. I couldn’t walk by myself, so people had to assist me to my designated driver’s car.

You know that birth control makes clotting more difficult due to the hormones, so I was bleeding for about 8 hours and MISERABLE. I constantly had to change my gauze, and spitting it out looked like I just had my period in my mouth. Eventually, I gave up on the gauze when the bleeding cooled down, and I just swallowed my spit. I do not recommend, because swallowing your blood can make you so nauseous.

I only got very swollen the day after surgery! I looked in the mirror and I looked like a blown up square. Mind you, I’m very fond of my feminine face shape, so this shocked me. I honestly felt so hideous, I wasn’t used to this new look. So I took my painkillers (ibuprofen), which help with the swelling since they block prostaglandins which creates an inflammatory and swelling response to the surgery. I also applied cold ice packs to my face, then hot 48 hours after surgery. I took penicillin v k every 6 hours. Even if you feel better, you still need to take your medications! It is to prevent infection, like dry socket!

These past few days, I’ve mostly consumed soup, mashed potatoes, and ice cream. I’ve lost about 4 pounds. Do not try to beat the system and eat a fried chicken leg. You can dislodge the clot!

It is also important to rinse your mouth with saltwater after every meal. After 24 hours, you can start finding with saltwater and CAREFULLY brush your teeth. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously, just let the saltwater soak for 20 seconds at a time.

I’m lucky that I have not developed dry socket. I heard how difficult it is, and how chances for it are increased for women on birth control.

That’s pretty much my experience! Let me know if you have any questions :)