That whole “dental lottery” thing really rings true for me. I’ve had my share of extractions over the years—lost both lower wisdoms in my twenties (one was impacted, the other just stubborn), and then decades later, a lower molar had to go. Funny enough, I barely remember the wisdoms besides some swelling and a week of eating mashed potatoes. The molar, though? That one left a memory. Numb chin for weeks, weird tingling, and I swear, cold drinks could find that empty socket from across the room.
I used to think wisdom teeth were the ultimate dental rite of passage, but honestly, that molar extraction was a whole different beast. I guess it’s all about where those nerves are hiding. My dentist showed me the x-ray and pointed out how close the roots were to the nerve canal—looked like a game of dental Jenga. He warned me about possible numbness, but I figured, “How bad could it be?” Well, lesson learned. It took months for the tingling to fade, and every time I bit into something cold, it was like a tiny lightning bolt.
But here’s the thing—eventually, it did settle down. I got used to the little quirks, and the sensitivity faded. My dentist said some people bounce back in days, others take longer, and there’s really no predicting it. I’ve heard stories from friends who had breeze-through wisdom tooth surgeries, but then a regular extraction knocked them sideways for weeks. It’s wild how individual it all is.
Anyway, you’re not imagining things or being dramatic. Lower molars especially seem to have their own recovery timeline, and nerves can be unpredictable. Hang in there—it does get better, even if your mouth decides to keep you guessing for a while. At least you’ll have a good story for anyone who thinks wisdom teeth are the only tough ones.
Totally relate to the “dental lottery” idea. I had a lower molar pulled last year and, just like you said,
For me, the nerve stuff was way more intense than with my wisdom teeth. My dentist explained that those big roots can sit right on the nerve canal, so even a tiny difference in position changes everything. I was numb for weeks and honestly started Googling “permanent nerve damage” at 2am. Eventually it faded, but it’s wild how unpredictable it is. Wisdom teeth were a walk in the park by comparison.“Lower molars especially seem to have their own recovery timeline, and nerves can be unpredictable.”
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve gotta say, my experience was the total opposite—wisdom teeth were way worse for me. I know everyone talks about lower molars and the nerve risks (and yeah, that’s real), but when I got my wisdoms out, it was like a trainwreck. Swelling, jaw stiffness, dry socket… the works. With my regular molar extraction a few years later, it was sore for a day or two and then done.
I actually wonder if some of it comes down to the surgeon or even the way our mouths are built. My oral surgeon warned me that wisdom teeth are “wild cards” because they’re often impacted or coming in at weird angles. I remember him saying that with regular molars, at least they’re usually fully erupted and easier to get at. Maybe that’s why I had fewer surprises with the regular one.
The nerve thing is definitely scary though. That “permanent damage” rabbit hole on Google is no joke—I’ve been there too. But a friend of mine had numbness after wisdom tooth surgery that lasted six months before it finally faded, so I’m not convinced it’s always worse with regular molars.
Honestly, I think it’s just a total gamble either way. Some people breeze through both and others get hit hard no matter what tooth is coming out. The unpredictability drives me nuts. Feels like we’re all just rolling dice every time we get in that chair...
This thread is making me feel a little less alone, honestly. I’ve been dreading my upcoming wisdom tooth extraction for weeks, and reading everyone’s stories is both reassuring and... kind of terrifying? I keep thinking about the “wild card” thing you mentioned. My dentist said basically the same: wisdom teeth are unpredictable, especially if they’re impacted or sitting sideways (which, lucky me, mine are).
But I do wonder if regular molar extractions get underestimated sometimes. Like, I get that wisdom teeth are notorious, but my cousin had to get a lower molar pulled after a bad cavity, and she ended up with nerve pain that lingered for months. She said the worst part was the weird tingling in her chin and lip, which didn’t totally go away for almost a year. Her oral surgeon said it was because that molar’s roots were close to the nerve, so it’s not just wisdom teeth that can cause those issues. That kind of freaked me out, to be honest. I guess it really is a toss-up.
I’m also a little obsessed with reading recovery stories (probably not helping my nerves). Some people bounce back in a couple days, while others are dealing with swelling and jaw pain for weeks. I keep overanalyzing every little thing—like, should I stock up on ice packs? Is there a magic pillow angle that keeps the swelling down? I even made a spreadsheet for my meds and meals... which my friends think is overkill, but I just want to be prepared.
It’s weird how much it depends on the person and the tooth. I wish there was a clear answer on what’s “worse,” but it seems like everyone’s mouth is its own universe. The unpredictability is definitely the worst part for me. If I knew exactly what to expect, I’d probably be less anxious, but right now it just feels like I’m bracing for the unknown.
Anyway, I appreciate hearing all the different perspectives here. Makes me feel a bit more normal about being so nervous.
It’s weird how much it depends on the person and the tooth. I wish there was a clear answer on what’s “worse,” but it seems like everyone’s mouth is its own universe.
That really hits home for me. I had a lower molar out in my 40s and honestly, the nerve pain after was worse than when I got my wisdoms out in my 20s. The swelling wasn’t as bad, but that tingling in my chin stuck around for months. Did anyone else notice age making a difference in recovery? I always wonder if that’s part of why it felt rougher the second time.
