I think some people like to exaggerate. It's one thing out of which you can tell a lot of war stories about, and make sure your experience was more gruesome than everyone else's.

My wisdom teeth were all removed in one go (they were getting holes, as they were a bit difficult to clean). I had one 400 mg ibuprofein that day, and one the next day. No swelling, only a bit of a jaw lock. More of an irritance than anything else. No pain, only a dull ache. A hangover is worse.

Since then, flossing has become more easy as the teeth have slightly moved apart (more space). And it's way easier to clean the back teeth too.

I had mine out years ago and it was fine. For me it was a couple of t3s for two days and no problems (other than the odd desire to sleep in the middle of the afternoon on the first day).

If you are a bit concerned about it, or about the dentist, I suggest popping into a dental clinic and just asking for a second opinion. It will cost you a couple of dollars, but it's worth it for peace of mind (or a piece of mind, whichever you prefer).

Cheers M.

S

Is it a tooth that has already broke through the gum? If so, it shouldn't be that bad at all. A regular dentist can just pull the sucker out. I have had 2 wisdom teeth out like that, and I'm a huge wuss, so I'm sure you'd be fine!

If it's one that is compounded underneath your gum, that's when it would be more complicated, because you have to go to an oral surgeon, and they have to knock you out to perform the surgery. I currently have 2 bottom wisdom tooth like this... and I decided that I'm going to wait until they cause any problems before taking them out. Hehe.

Sometimes toothache is actually linked to muscle tension and tension related pressure to the nerves. It tends to happen if you're very stressed, or if your whole immune system is on alert.

@ Janne & Sean: thanks guys, that makes me feel better.

@ Marnie: gee, that made me feel worse again :P

@ TH: you're quite likely right - I know I have been clenching my teeth a lot since the holiday. I've been only letting go in the last two weeks or so.

I think I have made up my mind to do it now. I've read about it and they say that the younger you do it, better it is, for healing anyway. I'll just have to trust my dentist (who seems to be very good and caring) and try to not forget to breath.

I've never heard of a reason why wisdom teeth absolutely had to come out. I'm under the impression that dentists want to remove them because they tend to clutter the mouth (esp. with small women) and can be tricky to clean, causing cavities and gingivitis - ie. it's better for the overall health of the mouth to have them out, since they're not exactly needed either.

I had all of mine (three) removed in one go, and like Janne, I'm very happy with the results.

The procedure itself was not uncomfortable or painful. Two were just pulled out, and the remaining one needed a small cut and two stitches. The aftereffects were a bit more taxing than Janne's: no pain and virtually no bleeding, but swelling and slight bruising, a constant thudding sensation, plus a considerable jaw lock making it difficult to talk or eat for 2-3 days.

It's not as terrible as it sounds: ketoprofen worked marvellously well for the thudding, and external warmth for the swelling and jaw lock. Nevertheless, I wouldn't have been any good anywhere, so I just spent the day in bed, reading and sleeping. That was a Friday, and over the weekend I'd healed up enough to go out and about again. You'll only have one tooth removed, so I'm sure it'll be easier for you.

Stock up with painkillers, soups, juices and other cold, easily drinkable food (you're not allowed to eat or drink anything hot for the first few days), and a hot water bottle for possible swelling, and you'll be fine. Since your operation is on a Thursday, you may want to arrange an option of taking Thu and Fri off or working from home, in case you don't feel up to going to the office.

Don't worry, dear, it's not as bad as you think. Your dentist sounds like someone who knows what they're doing, and I'm sure they'll do their utmost to make the experience as little uncomfortable as possible.