Today, I extracted my pre-molar (that's the third tooth from the back) as part of my plan to get braces. I can happily say that the extraction was a totally painless experience. The post-extraction on the other hand, was not. Let's start from the beginning.
It started this morning at the National Dental Centre (NDC) . I first went to see my braces dentist to get some plastic 'doughnuts' slotted in between my teeth. According to my friend, they were supposed to make way for the braces which would come in later. Following that, it was time to see another dentist for the extraction.
After getting comfortable in my chair, the dentist once again analyzed the tooth and told me that in the event that it chipped during the extraction, he may have to carry out some minor surgery to remove the chipped portion. Since there were no two ways about it, I gave him the green light and added, "It's going to be totally painless right?" in which he jokingly replied, "Oh no, it's going to be very painful - I don't like to use anaesthetic." What a way to start it off. He then proceeded to get the menacing, all-metal syringe to administer the anaesthetic. From my point of view, he inserted it into the side of my mouth at an angle and then halfway through, shifted the syringe upright before going all the way through. Whoa. Freaky? Yes. Painful? No. He gave me another shot and shot some to my gums as well. It took about about 5 to 10 minutes for the anaesthetic to take full effect.
It was finally time to perform the extraction so the dentist grabbed his ToothExtractor Pro5000 with built-in high-luminescence halogen light, GPS grid pinpointer, Class 3 laser dot targeter, Titanium alloy extractor arms and FM radio with soothing music. Ok, it was really just a large plier-like vice tool which he fixed around my tooth and started shaking it up and down and up and down and... My tooth seemed to be pretty dug in so he called for the nurse to grip my head and stop it from shaking. After about 5 or 10 mins of Yes and No head motions, the tooth finally popped out painlessly. The dentist, panting for a moment, passed me a mirror and introduced me to the wound and gave some instructions on its treatment before placing a gauze over it. He also pointed out that while most teeth (at the back) had two roots, mine apparently had three. Interesting.
Da tooth with da third (chipped) root
The whole thing ended off with payment and collection of some painkillers, ulcer cream and an interdental toothbrush. I made my way to school to meet a friend and pass up an assignment and upon reaching the Yusof Ishak House (YIH), the effects of the anaesthetic made me totally oblivious to a stream of bloody saliva that was trickling down the side of my mouth. Luckily, I was on my way to the nearest toilet to change my blood-soaked gauze before being mistaken for some hungry vampire. I happened to be bleeding quite a lot and was running out of gauze so my friend went to the University Health & Wellness Centre (UHWC) and managed to get me a fresh new pack. Thanks dude, you really prevented me from getting into a bloody mess.
I decided to make my way back soon after and realized that the effects of the anaesthetic was wearing off and the pain was starting to kick in. Great, it comes now. I took a bus home but the throbbing pain combined with the go-stop motion and bus vibrations caused me to get off and grab a taxi instead. Besides, my gauze was starting to soak up again and I needed to change it quick. I got home and the throbbing pain was in full effect and my wound was still bleeding. It was very agonizing. I kept changing gauzes at 10 minute intervals, took a nap and finally managed to stop the bleeding another 3 hours later, just in time for dinner and some much needed painkillers.
