Soft foods

Whether the removal of your wisdom teeth was easy or hard, the idea of indulging in soft foods seems both comforting and replenishing to some patients. This includes mashed potatoes, ice cream, pasta, soup, applesauce, or anything that can be mashed up with a fork on your plate. Due to the amount of time apart from crunchy, chewy, or crispy food, it is vital that soft foods become your friend.

Protein

Because your energy levels are low due to the recommended medicine, protein is very important to keep in mind. Most people have an idea that protein only comes from meats, nuts, and protein bars. They are wrong. A considerable amount of protein can be found painlessly in peanut butter, casein (found in milk), soy, and protein powder, all of which can be deliciously mixed into a homemade smoothie.

Netflix Binge

It’s one of those times where you are allowed to shamelessly lay back and enjoy your bed while indulging yourself in an intense netflix binge. When not in a deep snooze, netflix or a classic movie is always the answer. You might even find that there’s more to life than your favorite show on netflix. Although this is a great way to relax during the aftermath of surgery, remember that reality is still going on outside of your room.

Relaxation

Are you a person who finds it extremely difficult to sit still? This mandatory relaxation proposed by doctors might upset you. There is no healthy way out of this. Just keep in mind that after a couple days of forced rest, you will be able to freely exercise this jumpy personality. However, as mothers usually say, don’t overdo it; going out with friends can wait. The recovery process is extremely fragile, and if not treated with care, it will go downhill very fast. It is vital to get plenty of sleep on top of the relaxation that will be mandatory. Just get comfortable with the fact that recovery takes time––relax as much as needed.

Stay on top of school

Missing school can be detrimental during the busy months of September and October; however, it is necessary after this type of procedure. Most high school students, overwhelmed by work load and the fast pace of school, enjoy laying off of it for a couple days. For those who dislike missing school, cuddling up in bed with a hot cup of coffee and a laptop and books could be the perfect relaxation technique.

Ignore the funny looks

“I look like a chipmunk!” These are the common words that come out of a majority of high school students’ throbbing mouths post surgery. While few are lucky enough to skip this aspect of the aftermath, many patients look like they’re hibernating for the winter. Don’t worry, you’ll go back to normal within a couple of days and it’s not the end of the world. Rather than being overwhelmed with this new look, have fun with it. It might even be comforting to make fun of yourself.

Senior Natalie Chevalier recently got her wisdom teeth removed and sat down with the Knight Errant to share her experience.

KE: What was your first thought when you were told you had to get your wisdom teeth out?

NC: I immediately just thought of how much it would screw up my plans and my schedule the next week. I got pretty stressed out because I was supposed to work the weekend after and I had a lot of school stuff going on. I knew I would also be out of dance for a few days which was stressful… I hate having to sit out.

KE: Describe how you felt right after the surgery (on the meds).

NC: It’s kind of a blur. Everything just felt super weird. I remember the nurse helping me try to walk around after the surgery- I felt like i was floating! Otherwise, I can’t remember much. There are some screenshots of snapchats I sent to people that are pretty self explanatory.

KE: What were some of your favorite foods to eat? Least favorite?

NC: Ice cream and mashed potatoes. I had mashed potatoes at every meal, and I think I had dairy queen pretty much every day.

KE: Were there any foods that you couldn’t live without / tried to eat regardless of pain?

NC: I was super careful with what I ate so I didn’t try anything I wasn’t supposed to, but I was craving Chipotle the entire time. It was absolute torture.

KE: What did you do to pass time during post-surgery?

NC: Watched Netflix in bed and made up school work that I missed.

KE: How long did it take for you to recover?

I came back to school four days after. I still was puffy and had pain. I’d say it took about a week for the swelling to completely go down, and I’m currently still having some pain off and on. My jaw is still super tight and locked which is super annoying- especially for eating!

KE: Is there any advice you have for future wisdom teeth patients?

NC: Ice a TON the first day… It’s super important for ice the first 24 hours because it decreases the amount of swelling that will happen. I didn’t ice enough since I slept the majority of the first day, and ended up getting a lot puffier than I expected.

KE: What was your daily routine for the first week after getting the teeth out?

NC: I would wake up and take all the pills I was prescribed right away… two antibiotics, Vicodin, and Ibuprofen. I would also rinse with Peridex (an antibiotic mouth rinse) twice a day. After every meal, I had to make sure to do a saline rinse. Keeping up with your medicine and rinses is super important in preventing dry socket and/or infection. Other than all the annoying medication stuff, I rested a lot the first few days and tried to ease my way back into my normal routine!