Another wisdom tooth thread

[eupher61]

I have one to be pulled. I normally have a Sunday night gig, but not on the night of the upcoming game between Pittsburgh and Green Bay.
What general experiences does anyone have, with asleep vs heavily numbed, pain afterwards, and most especially, playing afterwards. The office
told me to not plan on playing for 2 weeks. I'm more than willing to blow that recommendation off, if someone can vouch for it. It's only 1 tooth.

thanks...

[Rick F]

I'm more than willing to blow that recommendation off, if someone can vouch for it. It's only 1 tooth.

I wouldn't do that myself. I'd be sure to wait the recommended time or you may get a dry socket. Those are very painful and takes time to get over.

[ZachDomrese]

I had no problem even though I had all four pulled at once.
Although I probably got lucky not getting dry socket....
I would give it time or prepare to need extra pain killers

[DonShirer]

I just had surgery today (for dental implants) and asked the dentist if I could go to band practice in five days. He recommended waiting another week. And if you are taking serious pain medication (vicodin, etc) don't drive.

[DHMTuba]

Had one pulled a few years ago. In my case at least, the anticipation was worse than the reality. There was some discomfort that day, but the pain meds took care of it.
After discussing it with the dentist I had allowed for a week away from the horn. As it turned out I felt good enough to do some very light playing after four or five days (with the dentist's OK). But I should point out that:
- If I had felt any discomfort whatsoever I would have stopped playing and waited longer.
- I was also very careful to take the meds and follow the dentist's instructions exactly.
Hope yours goes well.

[skeath]

IMHO, all the posts so far are focusing on recovery time, and not possible complications. I speak as someone who has had every possible type of oral surgery.

1. Is the tooth upper or lower? It matters.
Only lower teeth are subject to dry socket. Recovery for an upper extraction is generally easier, with less risk.

2. Is the tooth impacted, or in place?
Impacted teeth require more of a surgical approach (often done by oral surgeons), so recovery time may be extended. Most importantly, a lower impacted wisdom tooth has a nerve lying between the roots, that, if damaged during extraction, can lead to numbness of the lower lip for months, years, or permanently.

Don't panic; it is not a huge risk, but a possibility. Make sure your doctor knows you play a brass instrument, and how important it is that this goes well, so he will take that extra time to protect that nerve. I was in a zombie state, but I remember hearing him curse during the surgery, as he had difficulty. He got it right, and was excited when I came back 3 days later and could feel my lower lip.

SK