Wisdom teeth

cnoelle92 · January 2015

So my wisdom teeth are coming in and my mouth is KILLING ME! I can hardly eat, chew gum, whatever without me busting into tears. I am so miserable, these damn things need to get taken out ASAP. But I am absolutely terrified about being put under for the procedure.

My question is, has anyone had their wisdom teeth or been put under while pregnant before? What was your experience like? Should I just wait till after I have my son to get the procedure done?

kendallapp · January 2015

Regardless of what you decide to do, definitely see a dentist if they are hurting that bad- wisdom teeth coming in are suuuuuper prone to getting infected

Davila21 · January 2015

God I am in the same situation

I've been contemplating what to do for a while now. Although my mouth doesn't hurt, I can tell I don't have room for them as my teeth are being pushed together. I asked my OB and was told to wait until the 2nd trimester but it shouldn't be an issue to have them removed, however I think I'm going to try and hold off if I can. I hope you feel better!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

mrskblack11 said:

I had my wisdom teeth removed the summer after high school. They put you under. I have no clue how long the actual surgery was. I don't really remember the first few days after since they had me on hydrocodene. You can't eat sold foods for a little while. You also have to clean out the sockets or they can get infected. I would recommend waiting until after the pregnancy.

Thank you for the advice! I never knew mouth pain till my wisdom teeth started popping in. Fucking hurts!

leenziepops · January 2015

I did this at 17 or 18 and was put under general. Are you allowed to be put under general when PG? My sister did it with just local anesthetic. Maybe a local is safer for pregnant women? You also need really strong painkillers 1-2 days to recover because your mouth will be killing. Your face gets all swollen and bruised too. Since you cannot take painkillers, i would wait til after you give birth. So sorry you are going through this! How awful!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

leenziepops said:

I did this at 17 or 18 and was put under general. Are you allowed to be put under general when PG? My sister did it with just local anesthetic. Maybe a local is safer for pregnant women? You also need really strong painkillers 1-2 days to recover because your mouth will be killing. Your face gets all swollen and bruised too. Since you cannot take painkillers, i would wait til after you give birth. So sorry you are going through this! How awful!

My dentist will do it since I'm in my second tri, but it still scares the crap out of me because I know it'll make the baby sleepy as well. But my mouth hurts so damn bad. I now understand why babies fuss so much when they're teething.

leenziepops · January 2015

cnoelle92 said:

leenziepops said:

I did this at 17 or 18 and was put under general. Are you allowed to be put under general when PG? My sister did it with just local anesthetic. Maybe a local is safer for pregnant women? You also need really strong painkillers 1-2 days to recover because your mouth will be killing. Your face gets all swollen and bruised too. Since you cannot take painkillers, i would wait til after you give birth. So sorry you are going through this! How awful!

My dentist will do it since I'm in my second tri, but it still scares the crap out of me because I know it'll make the baby sleepy as well. But my mouth hurts so damn bad. I now understand why babies fuss so much when they're teething.

did you ask about taking painkillers or are you going to have to deal with the pain med free?

cnoelle92 · January 2015

leenziepops said:

cnoelle92 said:

leenziepops said:

I did this at 17 or 18 and was put under general. Are you allowed to be put under general when PG? My sister did it with just local anesthetic. Maybe a local is safer for pregnant women? You also need really strong painkillers 1-2 days to recover because your mouth will be killing. Your face gets all swollen and bruised too. Since you cannot take painkillers, i would wait til after you give birth. So sorry you are going through this! How awful!

My dentist will do it since I'm in my second tri, but it still scares the crap out of me because I know it'll make the baby sleepy as well. But my mouth hurts so damn bad. I now understand why babies fuss so much when they're teething.

did you ask about taking painkillers or are you going to have to deal with the pain med free?

Plain ol' Tylenol, which is what I'm taking now and it doesn't really do much. I'm just not sure if I really want to risk anything happening to the baby, but this pain is unbearable.

leenziepops · January 2015

cnoelle92 said:

leenziepops said:

cnoelle92 said:

leenziepops said:

I did this at 17 or 18 and was put under general. Are you allowed to be put under general when PG? My sister did it with just local anesthetic. Maybe a local is safer for pregnant women? You also need really strong painkillers 1-2 days to recover because your mouth will be killing. Your face gets all swollen and bruised too. Since you cannot take painkillers, i would wait til after you give birth. So sorry you are going through this! How awful!

My dentist will do it since I'm in my second tri, but it still scares the crap out of me because I know it'll make the baby sleepy as well. But my mouth hurts so damn bad. I now understand why babies fuss so much when they're teething.

did you ask about taking painkillers or are you going to have to deal with the pain med free?

Plain ol' Tylenol, which is what I'm taking now and it doesn't really do much. I'm just not sure if I really want to risk anything happening to the baby, but this pain is unbearable.

Yeah that weak stuff does jack all. Though if you decide to go through with it, at least you can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the pain. I'm thinking if you wait, you have to suffer another 5 -6 months, and then you might be reluctant to take strong meds if you are breastfeeding anyways. Plus juggling a new born and dental surgery... so many things to think about!

How old are you btw? How come they're only coming out now? Two of mine started growing out as a teenager and i made the decision to remove all 4 and suffer immensely once.

cnoelle92 · January 2015

leenziepops said:

cnoelle92 said:

leenziepops said:

cnoelle92 said:

leenziepops said:

I did this at 17 or 18 and was put under general. Are you allowed to be put under general when PG? My sister did it with just local anesthetic. Maybe a local is safer for pregnant women? You also need really strong painkillers 1-2 days to recover because your mouth will be killing. Your face gets all swollen and bruised too. Since you cannot take painkillers, i would wait til after you give birth. So sorry you are going through this! How awful!

My dentist will do it since I'm in my second tri, but it still scares the crap out of me because I know it'll make the baby sleepy as well. But my mouth hurts so damn bad. I now understand why babies fuss so much when they're teething.

did you ask about taking painkillers or are you going to have to deal with the pain med free?

Plain ol' Tylenol, which is what I'm taking now and it doesn't really do much. I'm just not sure if I really want to risk anything happening to the baby, but this pain is unbearable.

Yeah that weak stuff does jack all. Though if you decide to go through with it, at least you can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the pain. I'm thinking if you wait, you have to suffer another 5 -6 months, and then you might be reluctant to take strong meds if you are breastfeeding anyways. Plus juggling a new born and dental surgery... so many things to think about!
How old are you btw? How come they're only coming out now? Two of mine started growing out as a teenager and i made the decision to remove all 4 and suffer immensely once.

See that's what I was thinking! Like it'd be hard to deal with a newborn baby, plus having dental surgery, and the pain afterwards. That's why I was kind of leaning towards doing it, but just knowing that it relaxes the baby's heart, bugs the freaking shit out of me. And I'm 22, they are coming in kind of late. I was kind of hoping I was one of those rare ones who didn't get them in. But nope, they decided to come at a perfect freaking time, NOT!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

asutherl said:

I found that the ibuprofen anti-inflammatory was more beneficial than the narcotic pain meds afterwards... I know ibuprofen was to be avoided in the 1st trimester but I have to admit I'd have to look up if it's the same for the 2nd and 3rd trimester. I think you'll be pretty miserable if you do it while pregnant and have to limit your options (both peri-procedurally and post-procedurally). Ugh sorry!

This shit is for the birds!!

Donnie Darko Drew Barrymore animated GIF

leenziepops · January 2015

I think it's a good one to thoroughly discuss with your OB. Ask about all the impacts on baby. Find out if they put you under, will they be monitoring the baby's heartbeat throughout the entire time. i would find that comforting to know. They will monitor your heart (well mine was monitored).

Poor you!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

leenziepops said:

I think it's a good one to thoroughly discuss with your OB. Ask about all the impacts on baby. Find out if they put you under, will they be monitoring the baby's heartbeat throughout the entire time. i would find that comforting to know. They will monitor your heart (well mine was monitored).
Poor you!

I've done nothing but look up all the information I can, but I'll definitely be bringing a list of questions for my OB at my next appointment.

leenziepops · January 2015

Good luck lovely lady. hopefully someone pipes up with their own experience to share with you

cnoelle92 · January 2015

Thanks ladies for all the help!! I really do appreciate it!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

leenziepops said:

Good luck lovely lady. hopefully someone pipes up with their own experience to share with you

Thank you dear! I'm just hoping to find a light at the end of this tunnel lol.

lisaR3680 · January 2015

Ugh! I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Two thoughts:
When I had my wisdom teeth out (not while pregnant) I was NOT put under. Just novocaine and laughing gas. It's not fun but it's not that bad. And one of mine was impacted. I was ok with normal ibuprofen after. You might have to search for a different dentist but it's really not necessary to have GA for wisdom teeth.

But: I just had a crown worked on last week. My gums are not healing as fast as they normally do and it's pretty uncomfortable.

I'd wait if you can stand it. If not, talking to your OB is a great idea. And I'd look into a dentist who will do it without GA.

Good luck!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

lisaR3680 said:

Ugh! I'm so sorry you're going through this. Two thoughts: When I had my wisdom teeth out (not while pregnant) I was NOT put under. Just novocaine and laughing gas. It's not fun but it's not that bad. And one of mine was impacted. I was ok with normal ibuprofen after. You might have to search for a different dentist but it's really not necessary to have GA for wisdom teeth. But: I just had a crown worked on last week. My gums are not healing as fast as they normally do and it's pretty uncomfortable. I'd wait if you can stand it. If not, talking to your OB is a great idea. And I'd look into a dentist who will do it without GA. Good luck!

Thank you!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

AmyG* said:

You can see an oral surgeon for this. I'd call first and make sure they know you are pregnant and ask them to talk to your OB.
Usual options if not pg are usually to be sedated, or to have something like a combo of valium, laughing gas and novocaine. In pregnancy Valium is not ok, but I'm not sure of any anti anxiety med that could be substituted and be ok in pregnancy. You'll have to ask if you'll have to dothis without the anxiety med.
The best way to go about it will partly depend on if they are thru the gums or still way down and need to be cut out. That will decide if they are pulled, or if they have to be cut out, as well as how impacted they are.
You need to see an oral surgeon or dentist to first check to make sure that the horrible pain is from an infection, where you'd need antibiotics to clear up before any tooth removal. And get an exray to see how impacted they are and if they are in a position where things will only get worse like if they are coming in aimed straight sideways at other teeth or if they will actually erupt thru the gum tissue if given enough time on their own. once erupted thru the tissue they can be pulled, which will still hurt but maybe not as bad.
Pain meds after surgery can be same types given for csections, which can be some pretty strong pain meds. They are reasonably safe since you'll only be taking them for a few days before weaning off to tylenol. Hydrocodone is reasonably safe for short term use in pregnancy usually. many docs will allow short term use of ibuprofen in 2nd trimester. and naproxen as well.
You can also get a list of any meds and call Infant Risk. they are the experts in maternal medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding out of Texas Tech University Medical School. They can let you know safety ratings of the meds for if you have it done while pregnant or if you wait til after birth and are breastfeeding so you can weigh your choices.
After surgery/removal you'll eat really soft foods, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, milkshakes, etc for a few days, working up to soft scrambled eggs and mushy pastas. you'll keep ice on your face to reduce swelling and inflammation and avoid drinking from a straw for about 3-4 days to keep away the dreaded dry socket which hurts like the dickens. In about a week you'll be all better except a bit of soreness and you won't be eating crunchy things for a while longer than that.
But no matter what, go to the dentist to make sure it's not infected!

You are awesome! Thank you for that information! Exactly what I've been looking for!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

AmyG* said:

I just randomly saw this as the top post on June listed when I was moving from one board to another. My son just had his wisdom teeth out and several others that I know last week so I added that info plus what I know of the meds in pg and breastfeeding. Hope you get some relief soon.

Thank you, me too! lol Hope your son has found relief, this crap sucks!

maddibayer · January 2015

Mine came in late too. I am 25 now and the top two came in a couple years ago and the bottom toe came in this year. I haven't had dental insurance until just now so I have been living with the pain for awhile. I now have rmj and lock jaw.. It sucks and soon they will start pushing my bottom teeth together. I need to get them removed soon.. Ugh it sucks so I feel your pain!!

taboullio84 · January 2015

I was put under the surgery was about 45 mins. I woke up and was fine. .till the pain medicine wore off. It was so bad. For about 8 hours.. Then it was just sore. If you could wait.. I would probably wait. Just to be safe. But if your Dr said you can.... Go now. That stuff gets infected. It's not even funny... That's some serious pain.

cnoelle92 · January 2015

Thank you ladies!

devyns2nd · January 2015

I waited until after I had DD. I was 18 and had a couple but the other two popped up when I was around 5 months pregnant. If I could go back I would have had them removed earlier. There is no pain like vagina pain...until you mix it with mouth pain!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

Thats a very good point

littlechemist · January 2015

I was 27 when I had mine out (got scolded for waiting so long, but they weren't even all the way in yet!). I think recovery was more difficult than it would have been if I'd done it in high school/college like everyone else.

I was put under, was on heavy pain meds for a few days, couldn't eat solid food for about a week. Probably not something I'd venture to do while pregnant.

Definitely get your OB's and oral surgeon's advice. Good luck!

cnoelle92 · January 2015

littlechemist said:
I was 27 when I had mine out (got scolded for waiting so long, but they weren't even all the way in yet!). I think recovery was more difficult than it would have been if I'd done it in high school/college like everyone else.

I was put under, was on heavy pain meds for a few days, couldn't eat solid food for about a week. Probably not something I'd venture to do while pregnant.

Definitely get your OB's and oral surgeon's advice. Good luck!

Thank you!

tiffbot1985 · January 2015

I just got mine out in September (and totally ovulated while healing and am now pregnant, apparently sexy fat bruised cheeks are the way to go), so I was 28 then. All 4 were impacted, and I probably waited 10 years longer than normal, so the recovery took awhile, and I was prescribed heavy duty ibruprofin which I know is generally on the bad list for pregnancy.
One other thing to keep in mind, this is just me but I breastfed and was hungry ALL THE TIME the first month or two, it would suck to be stuck with soup. Saying that, I don't know what you are allowed while pregnant so definitely check with OB/dental surgeon. You are quite a bit younger than me in the wisdom tooth range, so that could help your recovery too.
Sorry, this is a sucky position for you to be in! Good luck!

DolphinLover2002 · January 2015

I had mine done in high school as well. So no experience with doing it while pregnant. However, my brother (2 years older) and I had them done at the same time. His were mostly through, so he had his pulled. Mine weren't through at all and had to be cut out. I was in an insane amount of pain, while my brother said his was manageable. He was eating mac and cheese that night. I had nothing but ice cream for 3 days. I also didn't take to the GA very well apparently, because I slept for almost 3 days. My mom would wake me up to eat, and I'd wake up to use the bathroom. Other than that all I did was sleep. My brother was fine and went back to most of his normal activities right away. So it honestly is different from person to person. Good luck in whatever your decision is! I just couldn't imagine going through what I did with a newborn. I couldn't take care of myself afterwords, much less anyone else. But I also needed major pain medication, so you'd have to find out of anything is safe for you to take.

WifeDeAngel · January 2015

So, ok, I'm 39 and still have 2 of my wisdom teeth. My oral surgeon said that as long as they are healthy, they can stay. But, the other 2 (fortunately on the same side) had to go. My oral surgeon just gave me a lot of novacaine and gassed me up. It was a little uncomfortable at the time, but No big deal. I did need Ibuprofen for about 24 hours after, but after that it was fine. I was BFing at the time, and my pediatrician said the ibuprofen was fine for that short period.

And I say all this as someone who is deathly afraid of dentists. I'm not a scardiy cat at all, but I HATE the dentist.

tjanca22 · January 2015

I'm the same boat as you, but from the sound of it, not quite as much pain. I'll be 28 next week and unfortunately, I have 5 wisdom teeth that need to come out (yes, you can be stuck with more than 4 apparently). I asked my OB and she said now that I'm in the 2nd tri it shouldn't be an issue, but I am going to wait until after baby is here. I already have the 12 weeks off from maternity leave, so I am planning on having them out towards the end summer when the baby isn't quite so young and I'm already off of work. It may suck trying to BF and take care of a LO, but maybe snuggling with a LO will lessen the pain. I personally would wait until after baby is here.

mcp6286 · January 2015

I wouldn't do it while pregnant either. I had the ones on my left side removed two years ago and it was awful, I don't know how ppl do both sides at once! I couldn't eat anything solid for 3 days and couldn't chew on that side for a week. I need to have the right side removed but am def waiting until after the baby! Hope you feel better!

bossybluejay · January 2015

My husband had his wisdom teeth taken out with just the regular Novocaine they use when filling cavities. It depends on whether or not they're impacted- if they are, they'll have to put you under to cut the gum and extract them. If they're all through the gums, they can potentially take them out without anesthesia. However, since I dont think many of us are dentists on here, you should probably call yours and figure it out

I had mine out, under anesthesia, and it was no big deal. I didnt bruise at all and I didnt swell and was eating foods other than ice cream, that night.

kristykristyleelee · January 2015

Though I was not pregnant when I got mine out, they did NOT use GA - just local. So I was awake for the entire thing. Even during the time that my dentist put his foot on the arm of the chair to gain leverage so he could pull the tooth out!

I would ask about local if I were you.

beersandweirs · January 2015

I don't really have a lot of advice to offer, as I think the PP have covered it well. But I just wanted to let you know, that I had my wisdom teeth out (not while pregnant) with just local, and no laughing gas and I honestly had a pretty great recovery. I was given vicodin for afterward, but I could have survived on just ibuprofen, which I know you still can't take, but maybe tylenol would be enough. Just wanted to let you know that if you have to get just local, it's not a recipe for disaster!

Mirage86 · January 2015

I had my wisdom teeth removed in Sept., prob about a week or so after getting pregnant. They were putting me under since I had both impacted and erupted teeth. The nurse had asked before they started if I was pregnant and I was like "oh no, definitely not!" (Obviously our baby was a surprise when I found out the next month!) I've asked a couple Drs if I should have any concerns but the general consensus is that we would have found out before now if the baby was impacted by it.

Anyway, the procedure itself wasn't terrible. Keep ice packs on your face during the first 24 hours and you'll swell a lot less. My swelling ended up being only a little visible the first day... Not so with my sister that didn't ice regularly until later. If you want, you can also alternate with heat packs every 15 min or so after that. I personally used lunch box ice packs because they stayed colder a lot longer.

Dry sockets are terrible, and the pain can start gradually but it keeps getting worse. The dentist can pack them and give almost immediate relief, so if you think you are getting one call right away, don't suffer through it. If I hadn't had one of those, the healing process would have only been maybe 2-3 days. As it was, it took a little more than a week because healing was delayed. The relief from the pain of the teeth coming in was worth it though!

As others have said, check with your dentist/oral surgeon and OB. If they say it's safe, it would probably be worth doing now rather than waiting until you have a new baby to take care of. Good luck either way!

alidust · January 2015

Most people don't have enough room for their wisdom teeth. For some people they will never"come in" but they are definitely fully formed at 27 (long before that actually) which makes the extraction and the recovery more difficult

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