An Anecdotal Account Post-Extraction

An Anecdotal Account Post-Extraction
On December 7, 2007 I had my lower left wisdom tooth
extracted while under general anesthesia. Certainly, one of
the benefits of general anesthesia is that I have no memory
of the actual extraction; but according to the orthodontist
the procedure went well and they did not run into any
complications.

Of course, this is not the end of the story! The post
extraction process was an experience in and by itself.
After being awaken from the anesthesia I was under
observation for approximately one hour. My observation
period was perhaps longer than the norm, because I was
particularly nauseous after the anesthesia. The most
difficult part of being under observation was trying to, as
the orthodontist instructed, stay awake while sitting up
for a set period of minutes. As soon as I was able to, I
was moved into the recovery room, where I rested for 20
minutes. The Orthodontist gave me a specific list of foods
to eat the first day, cold soups, Jell-o and milkshakes. As
well as specific instructions regarding oral hygiene: i.e.
to not brush or use mouthwash the first day.

There are some side effects of wisdom tooth extraction in
general; and general anesthesia in particular. For me, the
most intense side effect was the nausea, and at one point,
the orthodontist gave me a shot to alleviate the nausea.
The orthodontist gave me a specific list of foods that I
could eat for the first day, primarily cold soups,
milkshakes and Jell-o. I did not have much of an appetite
for the first 24 hours, and primarily just drank juice. For
me, the side effects from the anesthesia are similar to a
24 hour flu bug, nausea, grogginess and loss of appetite.
You might have notice, that so far, I've made no mention of
my tooth-the reason for the extraction in the first place.
This is because my mouth felt fine. I had some bleeding for
which the orthodontist gave me a gauze pad. I had no
swelling, and even after the Novocain wore off, I only felt
some slight discomfort. Even then, it was less painful than
most tooth aches I've had. As the song goes, "What a
Difference a Day Makes!" The next day, all the side
effects, including the nausea were gone and my appetite was
back. I was still tired; but other than that I was fine.

As part of the post extraction period, I also had to take
medication: Amoxicillin to prevent infection, Motrin to
prevent inflammation, and (if I needed it) Vicodin for
pain. The Amoxicillin prescription was 3 times a day for 5
days; and the Motrin, 4 times a day for 2 days.

To sum up, the most intense side effects were in the first
24 hour period; and they were more related to the general
anesthesia than the actual extraction.

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