Getting your wisdom teeth pulled hurts. Not during the surgery itself- they supply enough Novocain to numb your mouth for a week. When that numbness wears off, however, that’s when you get the “full experience.”

Ice packs, heating pads, pain killers four times a day, rinsing your mouth out with salt water, it all boils down to a good three to four days of pain.

Not only that, but your chin swells to twice its size, and you wonder if you have turned in Santa Claus overnight- without the beard, Christmas cheer, or enjoyable presents.

Having previously had jaw surgery for other reasons, I can personally say that my wisdom teeth surgery was a strange déjà vu.

Thankfully, however, the pain was not as severe, whether that means I’m tougher than I was two years ago, or my doctor simply supplied me with more powerful prescriptions.

For those who are now thoroughly worried about their upcoming surgery, there are some good qualities to having teeth pulled.

First, no solid or chewy foods are allowed for a few days, which means you have a great excuse to eat ice cream all day long.

Also, excessive activity is not recommended, so having a wisdom teeth surgery is also a great time to plan a movie marathon. In this light, school can also be counted as “excessive activity.”

So despite three to four days of pain, you can receive three to four days at home, without the worry of schoolwork. That is, until you get back.

Nevertheless, getting your wisdom teeth out is a right of passage. It provides more room for the rest of your teeth, preventing further mouth trouble in your adult life.

So walk into your surgery with your head held high, for you are taking one step closer to full maturity. But don’t forget to keep all four teeth for the Tooth Fairy to find under your pillow.