2nd Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Oral Surgery)

 

After my first oral surgery way back July 2015, I went back to my dentist to have my left wisdom tooth extracted last November 19.

At first, my family and I are concern with a big lump I have on my lower left ear. I consulted with my dentist, Dr. Resty, to see if this has something to do with my left wisdom tooth. After getting my xray and dental CT scan, I was then asked by him to consult with an ENT doctor for check-up and clearance to have my wisdom tooth extracted.

A few days after my visiting my dentist, I was able to consult with our ENT doctor, Dr. Michael Loo, at Chinese General Hospital. He then told us that if his suspicion is right, the lump on my lower ear has something to do with my parotid glands. It is either caused by a bacterial or viral infection and it will just keep on growing if not removed. We were told that he will need to have it diagnosed by doing a biopsy or we could skip that part and go straight to have it surgically removed. My mom and Dr. Michael agreed to have it surgically removed. He told us that I am cleared to have my wisdom tooth extracted especially after telling him that at times, I feel numbness on my jaw. I was also very decided to have it removed but will have to do so next year.

After getting a clearance from my ENT doctor, I reached out to Dr. Resty and told him about the ENT's diagnosis. I was then instructed to schedule an appointment on their Facebook page for my 2nd oral surgery.

Wearing a full PPE as required by the Tan-Cruz Dental Clinic

This was my first surgery during a pandemic. I was lucky enough to give birth before the lockdown happened last March or April 2020. Every patient is required to dress with their full PPE before going to the work station. Tan-Cruz Dental Clinic ensures patients, staffs and doctors with their health safety. Reducing the possible risk of contracting corona virus. Aside from PPE, ValTrace QR code is also required. Although vaccination card is not required, it's also nice to know that some patients and all staff and doctors have received either their initial or complete covid vaccine.


Once it was my turn, Dr. Resty asked me to gargle first and took a look at my teeth and x-ray. He then applied lidocaine on the area needed. He also did a skin test to see if I have any allergic reaction to anesthesia. While waiting for the skin test result, I was asked to answer a questionnaire about how I am feeling that day, what surgical procedures I have done in the past and was asked to sign a waiver. Then he started to inject some anesthesia on the part where he initially applied lidocaine.


From what I can remember on my first oral surgery, it took maybe an hour or an hour and a half to have my wisdom removed. My second oral surgery took us around 40 minutes and this one was less than painful than the first. Dr. Resty removed my wisdom tooth on a conservative approach. From my own perspective, this one allowed me to recover quickly than the first oral surgery. The first 24-48 hours is the most painful post-op recovery. I wasn't able to sleep properly as I am not used to sleep in an upright position. Also, it's a bit challenging to breastfeed my son in this position as he is used to feed while lying down. And yep, it's safe to breastfeed your baby after having your oral surgery. No need to pump and dump.

2 hours after my oral surgery. Please excuse the very dewy (more like oily) look. 

I applied some Lucas' Papaw on my lips as it was very dry. 

Below are some of the post-operative care instructions to remember (as instructed by the dentist):
1. Bite firmly on the gauze pack until you arrive home and remove it gently.
2. Do not smoke for 12 hours after surgery as it will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
3. When bleeding occurs, rinse slowly then bite on moistened gauze.
4. Do not spit or suck with the use of a straw as it also promotes bleeding.
5. When fever occurs after surgery, take your usual antipyretics.
6. Eat regular meals as soon as able. Cold soft diets such as ice cream or yogurt is most comfortable for the first 24 hours.
7. Rinse your mouth using povidone iodine 1% gargle or with warm salt water mixture.
8. Apply ice pack over the area of surgery for 20-30 minutes and every hour (intermittently) for the first 24 hours to help with the swelling, pain and bleeding.
9. Keep your head elevated using several pillows or sit on a lounge chair.
10. Avoid strenuous activities like sports, weight lifting, aerobics or sex for 5-7 days after surgery.

Ensure Gold has helped me before with tonsillitis since I've had a hard time swallowing. 

I thought I should get one after surgery since it'll take some time to get to chew my food again.

I am now on my 7th day post-op recovery. I can still feel some pain from time to time but it's a tolerable one. I decided to stop taking pain killers too. I was able to brush my teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush on my 2nd day post-op. I still need to go back after 10 days to get my stitches removed.

Fun Fact: We even went to BGC High Street and eat at Mary Grace on my 2nd day post-op! 

Hahaha!

I've been Dr. Resty's patient since I was 13 years old and back then, he had a small clinic across from where they are located now. I even had my braces with them. I am very proud and elated of his and Dra. Marilyn's success through the years! 


For Valenzuela City peeps, don't forget to check out Tan-Cruz Dental Clinic for your dental care and needs! Visit their Facebook page here.

UPDATE (Dec 01, 2021):

I had my stitches removed this morning. I can still feel some pain but it's tolerable than the time I wrote this blog. I am waiting for the swelling to subside from the inside. Looking forward to eating normally again! Wait for me, chicharon! Lol!