Day one is a blur of gauze, drool, and the desperate hope that the numbness never wears off. Your mouth is basically a crime scene, and the police (your immune system) have just arrived. You’ll feel a dull, throbbing ache as the local anesthetic wears off, which is totally normal.
This is the day you rely on your ice packs and Netflix queue. Don’t try to be a hero—take your pain meds as directed by your dentist. Pro tip: Do not look in the mirror yet; you will look like a chipmunk who lost a fight with a beehive.
